Joy is Beautiful


Recently, I've had the honor of sharing in the grief of two different friends. I feel honored that they would share with me their hurts because I know how difficult it can be to share pain. There is a high risk of not feeling cared for or nurtured.
As I have observed both of them I have seen God's glory even in the midst of ashes. Both of them are searching for God in their pain and choosing to trust Him even while feeling barren and disappointed. I've heard, "I just feel angry," or "Is this punishment for something I've done?" Yet I've also heard, "I'm choosing to lean into Jesus. Pray that I would do that," or "Even on one of my saddest days, it was also a good day. We laughed and had great time together as a family and I couldn't help thinking it was a good day."
And I've praised God for these beautiful examples.
Because death hurts.
Sin hurts.
People hurt.
But with God, everything is backwards. The last first. The first last. You know the story.
I can't help thinking He allows hurt in the lives of people He loves the most. His people. All His people.
To show the world the miracle of His goodness.
That even in the eye of the tornado a garden of beauty can grow.
It doesn't seem possible.
Isaiah 61:3 tells of this miracle:
"and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
God does it.
As our heads are bowed in despair and tears, He tenderly places on us a garland of flowers.
As our tears stream down our face, His joy bathes us in light.
As the heaviness of evil or grief weighs us down, He stands ready to wrap us with a light garment of beauty.
What a trade-off.
The invisible trade-off.
And part of the miracle is that you are completely unaware of your beauty.
Your courage to trust God in your grief may seem like a lame effort.
It's not.
Your choosing to laugh on a day when you're about to drown in sadness may seem fake.
It's not.
Your trusting a friend with your pain may seem foolish.
It's not.
It's the garland of grace placed upon your head.
It's the joy of the Lord as your strength.
You are loved.
God is showing off with you. You are His oak of righteousness, struggling to stand, yet displaying His splendor.

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