Some encouragement from Isaiah 61 as we head into the New Year. The word instead is used 5 times in just a few sentences.
"to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair... instead of shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance."
What does this mean for those of us who feel sad, depressed, anxious, ashamed, or desperate? To truly believe in the goodness of God and in His promises should make us the most hope-filled, joy-filled, fearless people on the planet! Let's not loose sight of who our God is and how He feels about His people.
