Graves into Gardens

“I am placing my burden on the Lord: my fears, my tears, my cares. He is supplying my bread; my water is sure. He keeps me steady, so that I don’t falter or fall.” Psalm 55:22 (Personalized)

What can God turn around for me?

“You turn mourning to dancing. You give beauty for ashes. You turn shame into glory. You’re the only One who can.” – Elevation Worship

In the Bible we have many instances where God turns situations and people around. I’ve come to love the song, “Graves into Gardens”, performed by Elevation Worship and Brandon Lake, which is fitting to Isaiah 61:3, a text I’ve come to love. It’s a powerful testimony to the contrast we find in God where He trades what we have for the better.

Luke 15:11 to 31 tells the story of the Prodigal Son. When He returns home, His Father says to the servants to bring out the best robe and clothing and prepare a great celebration. “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet...” verse 22. It reminds me of Zechariah 3:1 to 10 (TLB), where the prophet in vision sees Joshua, the High Priest, standing before the Angel of the Lord and being accused by Satan of many things. The Lord rejects Satan’s accusations and removes Joshua’s filthy clothing replacing them with new ones. “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” Verse 4.

We have constant reminders of God’s purpose, His mission and desire for His people. In Luke 4:17 to 21, Jesus reminded everyone in the synagogue, quoting Isaiah 61:1,2, that the scripture was fulfilled in their hearing.

This week, I have been thinking about loss. Death robs and stings. It is a certain path each of us must follow, even though uncertain of the time it will come. Even now, my church family mourns the loss of one of our brothers, Julian. I’ll remember his eagerness and love for music, and playing with the band during service.

God doesn’t want us to focus only on what we lose; He wants us to consider what we can gain when we put our trust in Him. Even in loss, He can restore, He can comfort, He can turn it around “...to grant to those who mourn in Zion – to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3

What can God turn around for me? What can God turn around for you?

May we be able to say like Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20, NIV

“Mountains or valleys, He doesn’t differentiate your position. He just invites you to come...He is the God who turns mourning to dancing and shame into glory...Nothing is better than a touch from the Father.” – Tracey Dahl

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for Your transformative power. You take what I have and make it better. You have promised not only to restore, but to make anew. Comfort those who mourn and who grieve; may Your solace bring joy. In Jesus name, Amen.

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing Your praise and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to You forever!” Psalm 30:11, ESV

“It’s funny because we ask God to change our situation not knowing He put us in the situation to change us.” – Melinda Spear

“You turn graves into gardens; You turn bones into armies; You turn seas into highways; You’re the Only One who can.” – Elevation Worship

Be blessed to be a blessing.

K.I.M (Kingdom Inspired Messages)

Author of K.I.M