Unto them that mourn the Lord promises beauty instead of the ashes of sorrow with which they have covered themselves. (Isaiah 61:3) What is this beauty? Here is the answer: "The Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the meek with salvation." (Psalm 149:4)
This beauty is "the beauty of holiness," (Psalm 29:2) the beauty of the life of the Lord, the beauty of right actions, of work wrought in God. Then, "Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish the work of our hands upon us." (Psalm 90:17)
What a change! from the ashes of despair to the beauty of the Lord. Are you feeling heavy and despondent? then this means you.
It is interesting and instructive to note that in the text, "to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness," (Isaiah 61:3) the word for "heaviness" is the same as that rendered "smoking" or "dimly burning," in Isaiah 42:3. The verb from which it is derived is the one generally used to denote failing sight, dimness of vision, or faintness.
So for every one whose spiritual sight has become dim, whose faith is almost gone, and who is fainting by the way, the Lord has a message that will make him sing for joy.
There is hope for all; no one need be discouraged, for Christ himself is here by the Holy Spirit "to comfort all that mourn." (Isaiah 61:2)--Present Truth, May 24, 1900--Original title: Back Page--Psalm 149:4.