Isaiah 61:1-3
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim 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, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— 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. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
 
In several instances in the Bible, ashes represent a time of grief, pain, repentance or distress. As we look in
Esther 4:1
When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry.
Jonah 3:1-5
And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. 6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
 
In Isaiah 61, Israelites were taken captive and were oppressed, people were confused and grieved. They thought God left them. Then the prophet Isaiah reminds them the suffering is due their sin but he also said that God’s anger is temporary and it won’t last. Our God is merciful and forgiving.
 
Isaiah 61:3 clearly promises us beauty for ashes, oil of joy instead of mourning, garment of praise instead of spirit of despair. So, let us all put our trust in God and seek Him with all our hearts.
 
Let’s hold onto God’s promises that He delivers us from all these ashes and gives beauty.

In the times of uncertainties, our human minds tend to be fearful and anxious. We don’t even know what tomorrow holds, but we know God has the total control of our tomorrows. Bible says not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34).
 
When the changes are happening quickly, we tend to get worried more. In these times we need to put our trust in God and hold on to His word and find peace. Spend time in God’s presence and receive comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Our God comforts us in all trouble. Receive comfort from God then pass it to others with encouraging and uplifting words. Share and care in these trying times. Be compassionate and help others in need.

God comforts us so that we can comfort others.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

In the middle of chaos, it is hard to be joyful, patient and faithful. But the bible says to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. It may sound simple and easy when you are not going through tough times.

In reality, it is hard and impossible for any normal person. These character traits can be achieved only when we have one on one relationship with God. Only God can pour into you these impossible traits that the world cannot give.

When we continually seek God and spend time in His presence, He will bless us with His supernatural joy, patience and faithfulness. Each one of us can achieve these characteristics directly from Him.

Let’s all fervently seek Him and overcome these worldly hardships.

Psalm 51:10 
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

As Christians, we should always pursue to have a clean heart and renew our spirits. We can do this by continuously seeking Him and being obedient to His word.

David repented when he sinned and didn’t obey God’s word. Even though he was a King, he knew that he needed to be humble before God and seek forgiveness and restoration. It’s not easy to ask for forgiveness if you are not humble in your ways.

Let go of the worldly pride and achievements and come to Jesus and confess, and receive His grace and mercy. Be renewed in your spirit and have a clean heart. Only God can give you a clean heart.

Let go of the worldly thoughts and temptations to be better than others. Come to Jesus and sanctify yourselves in His presence and be clean. When you receive your clean heart, rejoice and sing praises to Jesus.

Receive a clean heart from Jesus and live victoriously.