In the song, Beauty for Ashes, Crystal Lewis
sings the words; “He gives beauty for ashes, strength for fear,
gladness for mourning, peace for despair.”
As I look at my
calendar I’m reminded that lent begins tomorrow (Ash Wednesday).
It’s a sad but necessary time for me to retreat, like Jesus, into
the wilderness. For Jesus, it was a time of reflection and
preparation for His ministry. For me, it’s a time of soul-searching
and repentance.
In some churches, the ashes for the Ash
Wednesday service come from burning the palm fronds from the
previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration. When ashes are placed on
people’s forehead it becomes a sign of sorrow and begins a time of
mourning as we mentally, spiritually, and sympathetically retrace
the steps that Jesus willingly took to the Cross. It allows each
Christian a time to examine their heart and pray for spiritual
correction or redirection on their faith journey. Hopefully, we
can individually allow Him to trade His beauty for those ugly
ashes.
Whatever customs or traditions you honor, my
prayer for you during this Lenten season is to find a need to pray,
a place to kneel, and a life (perhaps your own) to be changed
because of your efforts and His sacrifice.
Written by Brenda Bates – February
2006
My Personal Thoughts:
It is not
required by all religions to observe the sad events that take
place during the Lenten season. I personally want to pray
with Him in the garden on Maundy Thursday, stand by Him at the cross
on Good Friday, and retreat with Him into the wilderness during
Lent. All in preparation to celebrate
His triumphant resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Scripture:
The Spirit of the
Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach
good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for
the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day
of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for
those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a
garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be
called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display
of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:1-3
Words to Beauty for Ashes by Crystal
Lewis:
(chorus)
He gives Beauty for ashes, Strength for
fear, Gladness for mourning, Peace for despair.
When sorrow
seems to surround you, when suffering hangs heavy o’er your
head. Know that tomorrow brings wholeness and healing. God
knows your need; just believe what He said, (chorus).
When
what you’ve done keeps you from moving on, when fear wants to make
itself at home in your heart. Know that forgiveness brings wholeness
and healing. God knows your need just believe what He said,
(chorus).
(bridge) I once was lost but God has found me,
though I was bound I’ve been set free. I’ve been made righteous in
His sight. A display of His splendor all can see (chorus).
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