Oil Of Gladness For Mourning

Isaiah 61:3

To grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

When my husband of 30 years died suddenly, I went into a tailspin, as I had depended on him for everything. All I could do was to be with my church family as often as I could, and turn to God in spending daily time with Him in His Word and my journal.

I learned to lean on my Lord instead of my husband, and I was complimented by one of my church ladies for my strength, when I still felt so weak and helpless. 

God was faithful to His promise to me in this verse, and through the years has grown me into an "oak," steadfast in His Word, and He still receives all the glory for His "planting" me and growing me strong, who was just a "glop of pudding" on the couch.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!