BEAUTY FOR ASHES

When a garment of heaviness drapes our soul

And when ashes leave a heap;

When the pain of mourning envelops our heart

The wounds can cut quite deep.

When ruins become desolations

And when poverty strikes our soul;

When we hit rock bottom we crumble indeed

When shattered dreams unfold.

When our mornings feel like evenings

And our mind is foggy and overcast;

When the cloud of depression overtakes

How long can this torment last?

But the cries to God with vehement tears

Will reach His ears indeed;

With a humble heart and a contrite spirit

He is moved to intercede.

The ashes bring forth new beginnings

As the former things pass away;

It’s where brand new seed can grow and flourish

It’s where hope will pave the way.

The oil of joy replaces mourning

Along with the garment of praise,

That substitutes a heavy spirit

And where hopes are renewed and raised.

The heap of ruin is restored

Where a masterpiece will abound,

Like precious silver that’s refined

And where shackles no longer bound.

Beauty for ashes is revealed

When salvation crowns our head;

When God rejoices over His own

And where obedience is Spirit led.

When our old nature is crucified

And new life is birthed within,

God promises us beauty for ashes

Through Christ who died for our sins.

“To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…and they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations and they shall repair the ruined cities.” Isaiah 61:3-4

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart. These O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord. My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation.” Isaiah 61:10

“And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.” Isaiah 62:5

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3