Learning How to Move from Grief to Joy

In review this morning of Isaiah 61:3 I read, “To all who mourn in Israel, 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.” (NLT)

I’m experiencing a sense of grief right now because of my impending job loss, what’s happening with COVID-19 and the impact it’s having on people, loved ones and the economy.

Yet, God promises that for all who mourn, “ . . . he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair . . . ” (Isaiah 61:3 NLT).

The greatest example of how God transforms grief into joy is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. After he was crucified, Jesus’ disciples went through two days of the deepest fear, pain, and grief anyone could ever experience. Even though Jesus promised his disciples he would return from the dead, they couldn’t grasp the reality of that through their grief.

But once the disciples saw Jesus resurrected, they understood sin and death had been defeated. They were released from their fears and anxieties. And in that release, they found joy again.

As I hold onto the promises of God through these dark days, I, too, will find release from my fears and anxieties, and I will find joy again.

By relying on the power of God, the same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead, can change ashes into beauty, grief into joy, and despair into praise.

The only way for me to get to heaven is by trusting in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins” (Romans 3:22-24 NLT).

I’m living in uncertain times, so if I haven’t already, reach out for the one thing that is absolutely certain, the forgiveness and hope found only in Jesus.

In summary, God promises to relieve my morning and will give a crown of beauty for ashes,a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. The greatest example of how God transformed grief into joy is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As I hold onto the promises of God through these dark days, I will find release from my fears and anxieties, and I will find joy again. By relying on the power of God, the same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead, can change ashes into beauty, grief into joy, and despair into praise. I’m living in uncertain times, so I need to reach out for the one thing that is absolutely certain, the forgiveness and hope found only in Jesus.

Father, this morning I confess my sin and wrongdoing, and I believe that you are God, my Savior. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today, I desire to give you every part of my life to into your management. I give you the right to call the shots in my life. Jesus, I want to relax in your love. Thank you that I didn’t have to earn it, deserve it, or work for it. I do want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I humbly commit my life to you. I ask also for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my training and career decisions and my interaction with others. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.