Beauty for Ashes
Today at work, I had the privilege of watching a few deer roam the grounds. As I stood there, Psalms 42:1 came to mind:
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.”
It was such a peaceful sight—these creatures enjoying the beautiful weather just as much, if not more, than we humans. Fall is near, and they seem to sense it. They roamed the grass without a care in the world. I couldn’t help but feel blessed, not only by the beauty of the moment but by the wonderful job God has provided me as I continue growing 2FruitBearers in my spare time.
Tomorrow, we’re expecting rain as Hurricane Francine (currently a Tropical Storm) makes its way toward Louisiana. While its exact path is still uncertain, today was calm, filled with the simple joy of watching these creatures rest in the grass.
Isn’t that just like life? One day is full of sunshine and roses, and the next, a storm is on the horizon. Yet, through it all, God remains faithful, walking with us in both the quiet moments and the storms of life.
It sure is easy to praise the Lord when the money’s rolling in and death isn’t knocking on our door. But when the lights are about to be cut off and the doctor’s report comes back negative, we hang our heads and immediately forget that there is a God above right there with us. Yes, even in the most violent storms, God is standing right by our side and will never leave us to go it alone.
Someone needs to hear me today. God is in your storm. I feel the Holy Ghost as I write this. You have never been forsaken and never will. Jesus loves you. This storm may be overwhelming, and it may bring devastating tornadoes, but you have to hold on. Just like Peter, you need to step out of the boat in faith…
Peter and the disciples certainly had firsthand experience of a storm, didn’t they? What a test of faith! And within this amazing story lies such a powerful metaphor. God knew that thousands of years later, we would need Peter’s storm as a reminder in facing our own storms of life. Peter stepping out of the boat into the midst of a raging storm is so profound. He took that bold step in faith, but the moment he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink.
That’s what happens to us when we take our eyes off Jesus—we start to drown. We drown in our depression, self-pity, and hopelessness, until it feels like there’s no way out.
But that’s a lie straight from the pit of hell. God’s Word is filled with promises that keep us from being overwhelmed by life’s storms. I could list so many of them, but I’ll leave you with one I pray you will get deep down in your soul. In the midst of your wind blowing, tornado heaving storm, I pray you will hold on to this promise from Isaiah 61:3:
To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
I didn’t choose this verse—it chose me. I can only believe it’s God’s way of speaking to you right now.