Praise Instead of Heaviness

By Paula Williamson, guest writer

Perspective is an interesting concept. One day, when so many overwhelming things were happening in my life, I thought that if I wrote them all down, it would be like cleaning out a closet, and I’d feel better. Wrong. After 5 pages, I was in tears, sitting with my bestie, “self-pity.” I decided to shift my perspective to the things I was grateful for. I admit it was hard and started slowly, but after eight pages, my eyes were filled with tears of gratitude. Our view of the world changes drastically when we put on our glad pants!

It Is Written

ISAIAH 61:2 -3 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of God’s favor to them has come, and the day of his wrath to their enemies. ³ To all who mourn in Israel, he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.

Imperfect

A wise man once told me that Jesus was not singing “Zip a Dee Do Da” on His way to the cross. The world is imperfect, full of imperfect people, including you, me, and the consequences of free will. HEBREWS 12:2 says to look only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus had to shift His perspective to the joy set before Him. We are part of that joy; a people reconciled to God through His selfless sacrifice. You can always find good if you look for it. Truthfully, speaking from personal experience, gratitude is a far better bestie than self-pity!

Prayer

Lord, I come out of agreement with self-pity and sadness. Thank You for what Jesus endured so I can behold Your face. Thank You for eyes to see! My life would be drastically different without sight. Thank You for the miracle of sight, the beauty of a rose, each sunset and sunrise, and the twinkling starry host. Thank You. Thank You for ears that hear a baby’s cry, bird songs, laughter, the cicada’s song, and nighttime sounds. Thank You for legs that work, a mind that thinks, and the ability to read and write. When I start the downward spiral of self-pity, remind me to shift my perspective. There are always things to be thankful for.

Takeaway

He gives joy instead of mourning!