Beauty For Ashes
Sunday August 20, 2017
When we unreservedly give our will and life over to the care of God, our lives will be positively changed. God will raise us up to be what we never thought was possible. We cannot be in the presence of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and not acquire character qualities that are like His.
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 113:7-9 NIV)
Addiction brought us to a lowly needy place where our lives were totally unmanageable. We were existing in what we could only describe as an ash heap and we were the dust that could be blown away at any time. But God, who is rich in mercy, lifted us out of that place and set us among those who live in the care of the One who will never leave or forsake us. We have been given beauty in place of ashes and are able to praise God instead of living in despair.
It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah. (Ephesians 2:3-5 MSG)
As we continue to trust God’s Word and follow His path for our lives, we will not only experience great blessing but will be able to bless others as well. Even though our former life was unproductive, now we can blossom in God’s blessing of love and protective care.
Prayer: Loving God, Thank You for bringing me out of the ash heap and setting my feet on solid ground. I ask that You give me the strength to follow Your principles in all my affairs. I am ever thankful and praise You for Your love and care for me. AMEN
©2017 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
Audio for Beauty For Ashes
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.