Welcome to my new blog series, “Beauty for Ashes.” This series is born out of a journey many of us know too well—the journey from pain to healing, from brokenness to beauty. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve spent more time crying your eyes out before the Lord, I want you to know you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. There were days when I wondered if I would ever stop feeling the weight of sadness and whether joy would ever return to my heart.
During my time of spiritual focus in May, I kept hearing the words “beauty for ashes and strength for fear.” It’s a phrase that many of us have heard, perhaps even quoted, but how often do we stop to truly understand its meaning? As I continued to pray and seek the Lord, He spoke these words into my heart: “For all those times you’ve cried out before me in sadness, I give you a crown of beauty. And for all those times you’ve walked in fear, I give you strength.”
Isaiah 61:3 (NLT) beautifully captures this promise: “To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.”
Understanding the Ashes
Ashes are the remains left after something is burned, the remnants of destruction. When I reflect on the times I’ve cried out to God, it was always because something had been lost, something traumatic had happened, or something precious had been destroyed. But in those moments, while I was focused on the ashes, God was already at work, turning those very ashes into something beautiful. He was crafting a crown of beauty, even when all I could see were the remnants of what once was.
Embracing God’s Healing Process
Healing from emotional trauma is a process—one that requires us to embrace God’s way of turning our ashes into beauty. Here are some steps to help you walk this journey:
- Prayer: Opening Your Heart to God
Start by pouring your heart out to God in prayer. He sees your pain and longs to bring healing. When you pray, you’re not just speaking into the void; you’re engaging in a powerful exchange where you release your burdens and receive His peace. Make it a daily habit to bring your emotions before God, asking Him to heal the wounds that have left you feeling broken. - Scripture Meditation: Replacing Lies with Truth
The Word of God is a powerful tool in the healing process. Meditate on scriptures that speak to God’s love, His healing power, and His promises. Isaiah 61:3 is a great place to start. As you meditate on these truths, you’re replacing the lies of the enemy—the ones that tell you you’re too broken to be healed—with the truth of God’s Word, which declares that He is making something beautiful out of your ashes. - Faith-Based Community: Finding Support and Strength
Healing is not a journey you have to walk alone. Surround yourself with a faith-based community that will support you, pray for you, and encourage you as you heal. Whether it’s a church group, a trusted friend, or a mentor, having people who understand your journey and can remind you of God’s promises is invaluable.
Finding Beauty in the Ashes
As I continued to pray and reflect on this process, I realized that the beauty God was creating wasn’t just about healing my past wounds—it was about transforming me into someone stronger, more resilient, and more anchored in Him. The ashes of trauma and pain were being turned into a crown of beauty that would reflect His glory.
So, to every woman reading this who has felt the weight of sadness and fear, know that God is at work in your life. He is taking the ashes of your trauma and turning them into something beautiful. And in the process, He is giving you strength for your fear. Embrace His healing, trust in His timing, and watch as He brings beauty out of the ashes of your life.
Let’s Chat!
- How has God transformed the ashes in your life into something beautiful?
- What scriptures have brought you comfort during your healing journey?
- In what ways has a faith-based community helped you through difficult times?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s build a strong and safe community of support!
I pray this post has encouraged you and given you hope on your healing journey. Stay tuned for more in the “Beauty for Ashes” series, where we will continue to explore how God transforms our pain into something beautiful.