They will be called oaks of righteousness. An oak tree sinks it's roots deep into the soil.  It is anchored by roots that may be as deep as the tree is high.  An oak tree will withstand high winds, drought, floods and freezing weather.
 
We are called to sink our roots deep into the Word of the Lord.  We receive our nourishment from Him.  We receive our living water from His well.  His Word is our bread of life.  He gives us strength to endure all the storms that life throws at us.
  
An oak tree starts life as a small acorn.  It slowly begins to sprout roots and seeks it's nourishment from the soil it lands in.    We are like that little acorn when we first come to the Lord, seeking our nourishment from Him.  As we grow in Him, we grow stronger through the trials we encounter.
Then when the big storms of life hit, we have a strong support system to hold on to.
 
Father,  show us how deep our roots really are.  Guide us into a deeper relationship with You so that we can sink our roots deeper in You.  Remind us that You never change.  You are the same yesterday, today and forever. You will not sway when we grab tightly to your mighty arm.   

Isaiah 61   Day 11
 
And  a garment of praise instead of a spirit
of despair.
 
We will receive the garment of praise when we hunger after righteousness even in the midst of trials and pain.  We will trust in the Lord even when we don't necessarily feel His
presence.
  
A spirit of despair is hopelessness in the midst of tribulations in our lives.  We are not given a spirit of fear.  We are given a spirit of power, love and a sound mind.  We are given
a garment to wrap around ourselves when the cold winds of doubt chill us and we look at the circumstances and not at our Redeemer.
 
Father,  remind us that you gave Adam and Eve garments to cover their bodies.  You have given us garments of praise to cover our fears.  Remind us to offer up to You the sacrifice of praise when it truly is a sacrifice to praise You.  When praise seems the last thing we want to do.  We are robed in righteousness.  We are crowned  with beauty.  We are shod with the preparation of  peace.  Praising You is the first step to healing.

The oil of gladness instead of mourning.
 
Anointing oil was used to be a blessing to someone chosen by God, especially for a special task.  David was anointed king.  Aaron was anointed to be the leader of the priesthood.  Many were anointed to the service of God.  

The oil of gladness is poured out on those who have mourned and now are receiving the love and comfort from the Lord.  We mourn our past sins and the Lord honors our choice to move them to the past.  He wants us to learn from them, not repeat them, and to help others learn from our mistakes as well.
  
He pours on us the oil of gladness.  He asks us to come into His presence with singing and rejoicing in His forgiveness.  He rejoices over us with singing.  The angels rejoice over a  repentant sinner.  He gives a sweet fragrance of love to all who call on His Name.
 
Father, how we love and adore You.  We come into Your presence, knowing we will be received with joy.  We have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and anointed with the oil of gladness.

To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes.
 
The Lord has promised those who mourn,a comfort that only He can give.  His love is poured out on them.    For what ever reason they are mourning, He has given a Comforter.  We can be a comforter also when we are willing to be
available.
 
It is difficult to comfort someone who is mourning.  We fear saying the wrong thing or offending somehow.  Few remember what is said, but most remember who offered comfort.    He offers a crown of beauty to those who
grieve for His name's sake.  The crown is one of wisdom and knowledge and compassion for others.
 
Father, show us how to be a comforter.  Show us how to share the promise of a crown of beauty in stead of ashes.  May we offer the promise of a brand new day after this night
of grief has ended.