Mark Burgin spoke this morning on the transforming salvation which God brings through His power. In Isaiah 61:1-4, we see that God can turn situations around, rebuilding ruins and bringing good from evil, beauty from ashes and joy instead of mourning. There can be a restoration of heart and mind. There is provision for grief, but as God restores us, He lifts us up and puts us back together.
These verses are sometimes called the ‘divine exchange’, for God gives us so much more. Instead of sackcloth and ashes, there is celebration; there is the oil of joy for mourning. God transforms and His anointing brings joy. Recent events have ‘sucked’ joy out of many people, but we do not have to stay in this position, for God is able to give us joy in all circumstances.
We are given new garments of praise instead of despair and discouragement; there is hope when God is around!
