Title
Which Will You Choose?
Scripture
To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
(Isaiah 61:3)
Devotional
Which will you choose: beauty, joy and praise or ashes, mourning and heaviness? Better yet, which have you chosen? Most people, believe it or not, choose the latter. They do so because it is easy. There is little responsibility in being down. No one expects much of you and you certainly do not expect much of your self. When you are filled with sorrow or its evil sister self-pity, you are not giving, you are taking. You seek understanding, compassion or pity. On the other hand, when you choose beauty, joy and praise, much is expected of you. You are on top. You are ready and willing to give. You have enthusiasm, which literally means filled with God. Enthusiasm radiates. It gives, while heaviness, mourning and ashes absorbs and takes. There is a time for mourning and heaviness, but not all the time. God wants to trade your sorrow for joy that He may be glorified.