Make special clothing for Aaron to show his separation to God–beautiful garments that will lend dignity to his work.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to console those who mourn… to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…that He may be glorified.”

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines…Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength!

Ex.28:2 NLT; Is.61:1,3 NKJV; Neh. 8:10ESV; Jn.16:33 NKJV; Ps.55:22 NLT; Hab.3;17-19 NKJV

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I so easily slip into the trough of sadness. Despite all that is beautiful and wonderful, and all God’s abundant goodness to me, there are things that make me sad. Disappointments. Things I wish I could change. Regrets that gnaw at hope…The world is full of troubles. If yours aren’t weighty right now listen in on your neighbor’s heart. Take a walk with a friend and let them share their pain… There are burdens aplenty to share. But sometimes in taking them on I lose sight of the bedrock of joy that is ours in Jesus. I become somber at heart instead of hopeful.

The Word never fails to lift my eyes to bigger realities than those that gloomify my heart. ‘God works in ways we cannot see’ is more than a trite chorus. It’s a truth woven through every story in Scripture. Have a look. Consider Ruth and Naomi, Samson, Jonah, Peter or Paul. Whether you’re in the Oldest or the Newest books, history, proverb or epistle, God is weaving a tale that reflects His Glory and Might.

Our own stories are not finished yet. And even if they never read as we had hoped, no matter if trouble dogs us to the finish, God has the upper hand and all things will turn to His purpose and praise. He will be glorified in His people.

My prayer of late comes from the words of Psalm 138 which I’ve been memorizing…

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Ps.138:7-8 ESV

I highly recommend finding a passage for yourself that reflects your prayer to God or reminds you of the truth you most need. It can be a joy-preserver!

Blessings on you. May Spring’s beauty lighten your heart as you cast your cares on the One who has given us the seasons of life through which we walk.

–Linda