The Daily Walk

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The Daily Walk Part 27 - Oaks of Righteousness

by Gail Rodgers
Noreen knew God had plucked her life from the ruins. And she was so grateful. When she read Isaiah 61 verses 1 – 3 she knew she was one of those who had been broken hearted and a prisoner in another life style. She knew the power of His love as He bound up her broken heart and brought beauty out of the ashes of her life.

Yes, she was grateful… but still rather timid to step out and do much for God. She still felt so inadequate and sometimes worried about what people would think if they really knew the path she had come.
She read the familiar verses again but this time she saw something more. The Spirit of God opened the eyes of her heart. After the words describing how God binds up the broken hearted and brings beauty out of ashes and joy out of mourning, she read these words that had never penetrated her mind before:

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” Isaiah 61:3b

Wow! Her mind could barely take it in. God said she was an “oak of righteousness”... planted right where she was today… by the Lord… to display God’s splendor and show what He can do in a life that says “Yes” to Him.
She thought awhile about the oak tree; strong, durable, able to weather the storms of time, mighty. Yes, a mighty oak. She didn’t feel very “righteous”, yet someone had just told her that righteousness was simply having a “yes Lord” attitude in all areas of her life. She truly did want Him to permeate every decision and every part of her life.
Noreen got ready for work with a new view of herself and a new purpose in her heart. She would be that mighty oak today, planted just where she was in order to show the splendor of God’s healing touch.
As she headed out the door she breathed a prayer asking God to give her an opportunity today to share the difference He has made in her life. Yes, her broken heart had been touched by God and beauty was beginning to come from the ashes in her life…and she would declare His splendor.
Even though she knew she was still in the process of her healing journey, she caught a glimpse of how God saw her today, and she would walk in it because He had declared it!
prayer & reflection

Father God,
Thank you so much that you see me so differently than I see myself. May I honor You today and display Your splendor in living a changed life by the power of the Holy Spirit!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.