For The Display Of His Splendor

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, 

because the Lord has anointed me 

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn, 

and provide for those who grieve in Zion-

to bestow on them 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.

Isaiah 61:1-3

I love the vision that the oak tree presents in my mind.  A tall, strong, lush tree.......it's big green leaves rustling while it's branches sway with the blowing wind.  It produces a hard wood that stands the test of time and storm.  With an equally strong root system,  it isn't a surprise why God chose the oak to represent our lives and wonderful things He can do for those who love and trust Him.  

God plants us in places and positions and He allows us to go through difficulties just like a newly planted oak would undergo weather conditions.  Our trust is in Him as we pray for answers and miracles.  As life moves forward we have good times and bad, but nothing enters our life without His approval.  God plants everything in our path.  He waits for the moments when we need Him most and at just the right time He comes through for us.  He gives us answers, sometimes not always what we ask for but it is always what is needed and best.  He makes us grow tall and matures us into a great oak of righteousness as we trust in Him.  His planting, us, our answers.............His splendor.  He displays His ability and goodness through the good things that come from our trusting in Him.  As we grow througth our trials and storms we can point people to Him through our successes and even through those failures that, by the grace of God, taught us way more than sucess could have.  He is made known in us and through us!  God chose to plant that oak tree, you and me.  He chose to make us righteous in order to reach more people for His Kingdom.  His splendor and majesty are seen in the great things He does in our lives.  His planting was for a purpose.  

God brings blessings to the poor and weary.  He frees the captives, and comforts those who mourn.  He brings redemption to the sinners and delivers praises to the desperate.  God is good!  All of these miracles He performs, all the saving He does.......they are all because of His amazing love for us and can be used to display His power and love for all His people.   Whatever bad thing you are experiencing, God has chosen to use that for not only growin you but for growing His Kingdom.

As you feel your leaves rustle and our body bend and bow from the pressures of everyday, and the trials that come your way, remember that you aren't alone.  God is in control of your outcome and the blessings you will receive in the end.  Stick your feet firmly on the ground and let God be seen through your answered prayer and the strength and peace He provides along the way.  Never forget that the hardships you endure have been planted by God to show you and others His great power.  He chose you because He knows you will trust Him and that you will be a great witness.  You will be a tall righteous oak displaying His glory and splendor!