He sees me beautiful

Isaiah 61 has been a favorite passage of scripture for a long time. I love the first four verses, actually memorized them a few years ago in a non-KJV for a Bible Study. That was a challenge.

I read it tonight and was really touched by these verses, (and I'll admit, convicted). I didn't expect this time of year to be as rough for me as it has been. So many triggered memories that I don't know how to deal with, don't want, and never know when they are coming. I deal, the best I can. This includes Bible, running, talking to people close to me that love me, and avoiding what I know brings me down.

Verse two says "He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come


I realize contextually this is not addressing me in my current situation. But I went back and read it again and had the thought that maybe the Lord is telling me it's time. Time to (my frequently used Lion King reference, can't help myself) put my behind in my past. It really is the past. I'm not there, Steve's not there, Nate's not there, Whitney's not there. We are here and now. I'm not where I thought I would be this spring. My life changed dramatically last year and I have accepted that that is okay. That God gives beauty for ashes, blessing instead of mourning, praise instead of despair.

Then I got to verse 10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.

I was beautiful on my wedding day. And that is the way that my Lord sees me. That is the way he dressed me with Salvation and Righteousness. There is good news for the oppressed. There is joy in our Lord.

Good News for the Oppressed
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me,
for the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.[a]
2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the LORD’s favor has come,[b]
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3 To all who mourn in Israel,[c]
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the LORD has planted for his own glory.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
repairing cities destroyed long ago.
They will revive them,
though they have been deserted for many generations.
5 Foreigners will be your servants.
They will feed your flocks
and plow your fields
and tend your vineyards.
6 You will be called priests of the LORD,
ministers of our God.
You will feed on the treasures of the nations
and boast in their riches.
7 Instead of shame and dishonor,
you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.

8 “For I, the LORD, love justice.
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be recognized
and honored among the nations.
Everyone will realize that they are a people
the LORD has blessed.”

10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit
or a bride with her jewels.
11 The Sovereign LORD will show his justice to the nations of the world.
Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
with plants springing up everywhere.