Key Verse:

“…to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.”

— Isaiah 61:3

Rooted Truth:

God transforms mourning into joy and turns ashes into beauty.

Faith Story:

Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago whose life was shattered when his young son died and the Great Chicago Fire ruined him financially. Shortly after, his four daughters drowned in a shipwreck.

In his grief, Spafford penned the hymn It Is Well With My Soul, declaring:

“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll… whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”

From the ashes of unimaginable loss, God brought forth a testimony of faith that continues to comfort millions.

Scripture for Deeper Roots:

Psalm 30:11 – “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing…”

John 16:20 – “…you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”

Revelation 21:4 – “…he will wipe away every tear from their eyes…”

Daily Practice:

If you’re grieving or carrying sorrow, write down one specific area of pain and pray over it, asking God to begin the work of turning it into beauty for His glory.

Daily Prayer:

Lord, You are the God who brings beauty from ashes. Take my mourning and fill it with Your gladness. Teach me to trust Your hand even when life feels broken. Amen.

Deep Reflection:

• What “ashes” are you holding onto in your life?

• How have you seen God bring beauty out of broken seasons?

• Who in your life could be encouraged today by the reminder that God restores mourning into joy?

#DeeplyRooted #DailyRenewed

Devotions for a Grounded and Growing Faith