"Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of
mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, So they will
be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be
glorified."
(Isaiah 61:3)
Our days are linked together in a unique way according to God's Word.
Yesterday's pain, sorrow, and disappointment, as well as yesterday's
victories and blessings, become today's plan.
Were you rejected or alienated by someone yesterday? Then God's plan for you
today is one of restoration and reconciliation.
Were you struck with sickness or an injury yesterday? Then His plan today is
healing.
Were you dealt a disappointment or handed a bad report? Then today is a day
for hope and good news.
Were you struck with a calamity or disaster? Then today is the time for
recovery and rejuvenation.
Did you slip and fall in some way yesterday? Then God's plan for you today
is a second chance.
No matter what worry, frustration, or heartache you took with you to bed
last night...today holds the hope for a reversal of that "trouble." This is
the redemptive nature of God's work in our lives: turning our losses into
victories, our sorrow in gladness, and discouragement into reason for
praise!
The prophet Isaiah tells us this process results in our becoming so firmly
rooted in God's goodness we are like great "trees of righteousness." We grow
to the point where we see no matter what may strike us on one day, God has a
plan for full recovery and more beginning the next. The apostle Paul echoed
this when he wrote to the Romans:
"All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are
the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Our rebound is never back to the point where we began, but always takes us
higher. We are wiser and richer. No matter what hits us, our roots grow
deeper, our branches grow stronger and longer, and our fruit is increased.
Expect God's turnaround in your life today! Let go of yesterday and all it
held. God is not in our yesterday's. We won't find Him there. He is a God of
faith and faith is now! He's in the "now". Keep up with God. Don't stay in
yesterday. He's always in today and you can't have a "Closer Walk with
Thee", if you still in yesterday and all it held.
