The Divine Exchange

My Beloved, I am in the business of transformation. I am at work in you and around you. I can provide new perspectives, new hope, and a new future. My ancient Word spoken through the Prophet Isaiah remains steadfast and true as I say to you, all who mourn, that I will give you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, I will give you the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a mantel of praise instead of despair. And in your righteousness, you will be like great oak trees planted by Me, the LORD, for my own glory.

Therefore, in your pain, let Me comfort you, let Me heal you, let Me restore you, and let Me plant you in My garden. Let Me crown you with My beauty. Let Me anoint you with My oil of gladness. And let Me clothe you with new garments as I adorn you with My mantle of praise. 

And now, with restored joy, you can exalt Me; with renewed hope, you can praise Me. Your praise will rise up to the heavens, and My Glory will be established over you and on the earth.  My Beloved child, I love you, I care deeply for you, and I am pleased with you! So trust in Me and trust in My Word.

Activation:

Bring all that is in your heart to the Lord and let him transform it: ashes to beauty, mourning to gladness, despair to praise. This is the divine exchange. Be willing to let go as you trust Him to transform your areas of pain into something beautiful and joy-filled. Know that in Christ Jesus, you are righteous before Him and that He dearly loves you.  Allow the Holy Spirit to confirm this to you in His unique way as you sit in this place of revealed truth. See yourself as an Oak Tree that is planted by Him and deeply rooted in Him – for His joy and for His glory.

Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

Jeremiah 31:13 (ESV)

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.