The other evening I was the recipient of a meditative experience. It's unusual for me to participate rather than offer this type of prayer. However, I looked forward to receiving whatever grace God had to offer me. As I began to gaze at the beautiful bowl that was offered to me, I delighted in the exquisite design. I followed along with the meditation, focusing on the contents of my bowl. Certainly not much in my bowl these days, at least as far as family responsibilities. Perhaps that is why this bowl was rather shallow.
I noticed that I could see my hands on the bottom of the bowl. This realization felt like confirmation for me as I use my hands in so many different ways. Just as I began to sink deeper into the meditation, a thought came to me...this looks like an ashtray!!! And just like that...I lost focus. God, what could this mean? At that moment, I was reminded of a scripture that became very important for me years ago during a difficult season in my life.
"to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning" (Isaiah 61:3)
Wow! Yes! God has certainly come through with this promise to bring beauty and joy into my life after sadness and ashes. This passage is found right after the words that Jesus spoke about the mission he would fulfill on earth. Thanks be to God that we have the freedom to read the Word and experience its healing power in our lives.
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