“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.” Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)

This chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy describes the ministry of God’s anointed son, Jesus Christ our Lord. He would arrive on the scene of God’s purpose and plan for mankind as a healer, and messenger of freedom and comfort for those who believe and call upon His name. Jesus himself confirms Isaiah’s prophecy when He confesses the words of Isaiah by quotation in Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Isaiah 61:1-2 (NKJV) Jesus, who is the reader of these words in a synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth, becomes the reality of the prophecy at the same time with a mandate from the Father to set the captives free.

When we are bound, burdened, and beset by circumstances, issues, and problems that become heavily weighted against us, Isaiah reminds us that there is a remedy found not only in his prophecy, but in the power and person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is uniquely associated with our every need therefore He knows how to bring us comfort and hope in times like these. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) Don’t you ever think for one minute that Jesus is out of touch with where you are and what you are feeling. He provides the point of exchange where He can offer consolation for those who are in mourning as a result of loss and grief. Ashes were placed on the head of those who were in mourning in the days of the Old Testament. Jesus provides beauty for those ashes along with the oil of joy thus dispelling our tears during times of despair.

The spirit of heaviness mentioned in our devotional text refers to discouragement. When we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders either because we are downcast or someone that we love or care for has succumbed to life’s pressures we feel heavy or burdened. It becomes difficult to smile because we just don’t have the strength. We put on a façade of laughter to keep from crying. We enter the congregation of our place of worship and the weight is so intense that we can’t lift our hands. Our mind begins to wonder and we are convinced that we are the only one in the entire crowd that is feeling hurt and heavy. The good news is that we don’t have to stay in that condition. Jesus provides us with the garment of praise. Not to carry in our hand but to cover us. You must put it on. The garment of praise must leave no openings through which hostile elements can penetrate. It becomes the power of worship filled praise to cast off the oppressive works of darkness.

Praise always gets God’s attention. When we give thanks to His name, at times sacrificially, He is glorified and well pleased with us. (See Hebrews 13:15-16) This prophetic message of expectation is for those who are oppressed by doubt, fear, and hopelessness. It was originally written in about 690 B.C but its power runs concurrently throughout the 21st century and until we experience the imminent return of our Lord. Don’t think you are qualified to praise the Lord because of your circumstances? Take a deep breath. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6 (NKJV)