I’m not going to lie I feel lonely. I get sad. I struggle to trust what God says as times. The waiting is tough. But in the word above Jesus reminded me that He is with me. Another thing He has been telling me lately is to seek Him even in the silence. Even when you think He isn’t moving or speaking – seek Him. Things may not seem like they are moving but they are. I tend to feel most lonely as I wait. Maybe that’s true for all of us. I don’t have friends or a spouse and I do basically everything alone. I used to almost define myself as that and sought out everything that didn’t make me feel alone. Until I realized being alone is a blessing. It’s usually God’s way of trying to show you that He wants more time with you. The reminder that Jesus is right there holding my hand guiding me at all times is the reminder I needed. Trusting even when you can’t see is hard, but knowing Jesus is right there guiding you at all times brings a supernatural peace.

Isaiah 61:3 says “All those who mourn He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his glory.” the NIV version states “and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on the a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” This tells me that no matter what circumstances we may face God will restore what was lost and rebuild things better than before. He will give you beauty for ashes. That thing you thought you wanted well God has something better! Joy instead of mourning! As you seek God you are filled with the joy of the spirit. More than that it says “oil of joy” to me that represents and overflowing. So, you won’t just have joy but you will be overflowing with joy! He gives you a garment of praise. He gives you supernatural sight to see into the spiritual and praise what you yet cannot see but hope for. God wants you to get to this place – where He is the only thing you want or need.

This reminds me of the times when I was literally to weak to go on spiritually but God made a way. Jesus physically picked me up and carried me. This last year has been a year of healing. When God speaks something He means it. He will give you beauty for ashes, joy, and praise. It may not happen in the ways you would think or want but He always follows through. As I sit on the other side of my heartbreak I look back and see how far God has brought me. The mourning and pain does bring great joy and praise. I found Jesus. I found Jesus in a whole new way and now experience a rich and intimate relationship with Him. He reveals the promises of His heart for me and I seek His guidance and prompting until they come to pass. That’s the thing when you pay attention to the little every day signs you begin to see Him. God brings warnings and blessings in all shapes and sizes. We may not always need to go through suffering but it also increases our awareness. For me it brought me of a place of complete surrender to Jesus and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I would honestly go through everything all over again to get where I’m at today.

Now as I wait on His promises – even in the silence I seek Him. As you endure trials He makes you strong. You become like that strong oak mentioned above. Unshakeable. Rooted in Jesus. God’s wisdom and strength helping you grow, yet you exude a beauty. Beauty for ashes as He has promised. It’s a different beauty than you had before. Something deep in your heart has changed. You are filled with Jesus. Joy overflows. You can wait and not grow weary as He is right there to catch you if you fall. Jesus is your ultimate companion and best friend. You never wait alone.

Remember You are Fearfully Made

xoxo Taylor Nicole