“To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 ->me: The part of this verse that sticks out to me is ‘that they may be called oaks of righteousness’…Oaks in Isaiah 1:29 and 57:3 were used in connection with false Gods but here they have been recovered for the Lord and given an established place in His garden. The place in His garden is the place He has planted us for His glory. Oaks are lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God. This picture of what Jesus came to give and also recover for the Father is awesome. Yesterday and today I really struggled to be motivated in prayer, seeking His word, and I just plain felt distant from my King. Missing yesterday’s quiet time did not help but when I ready this verse and passage I am reminded that this is not about me…it is once again about His glory. I have been reclaimed for the purposes and splendor of God. How can I be unmotivated when I ponder that???