“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-5 BSB

Recently, I received a picture and a prophetic word that I was able to share with our church congregation. In this picture, there was a person sitting in a heap of ashes and experiencing much grief and despair. His strength was completely drained from the loss of his battle. Demons of depression and death were ever so close. The voice of the liar was loud and piercing to the wounded soul. Darkness was closing in and it seemed as if all hope was lost. To this person, there was no possible way of victory except for the intervention from the Divine. As one last tear freely fell, he closed his eyes to await his demise. Does this sound familiar?

THE OIL OF GLADNESS

Then, in that moment, a heavenly light starts to shine! The majestic crack of distant thunder rolls in and the voices of darkness shriek from the heavenly encounter! They desperately fled in all directions as the King of Light appeared to the broken man, offering His mighty hand and lifting him from the ash heap! His strength was great and pulsed through the broken man, renewing his innermost being! He was alive again! The King of Light helped the man stand to his feet and placed upon him a beautiful crown! As he stands, he notices that his tattered, dirty garments were miraculously changed into a robe of righteousness! It fit him with great satisfaction and comfort that could only be best described as a warm fire, a gentle mountain breeze, and a cool glass of spring water all wrapped in one! The ash heap where they stood had now become a fruitful and majestic meadow. His face was clean and his tears were no more! He notices a ring with highly precious gems on his right hand! He feels his youth in his legs and thighs! With great amazement, the man turns his gaze to the King of Light. His eyes were deep and powerful, loving and secure! With just a look from His eyes, the man somehow knew that the King was asking him to reach into the inside pocket of his new robe. He pulled out a small vial. It was ornately crafted from pure jasper and had the inscription, “The Oil of Gladness.” The King of Light opened the vial and poured the oil on the man’s head and crown. It was warm and powerful, penetrating his mind and body! It dripped down his face and body and totally absorbed into his innermost being! Pure light began to radiate from within! In one moment, his entire countenance had changed from despair to great rejoicing! The King of Light sealed the vial and handed it back to him. It was weighty and he distinctly knew that it was full again! He gazed back to the King as he placed it back inside his pocket. His powerful and loving eyes said it all! This oil was part of his inheritance and it would never run dry!

I hear the Lord saying, “My church, My bride! You are this man! This is what I have for you today! I am breaking the cycles of grief that have been rooted in trauma from the previous season! Behold! This is a new day! The thundering has announced my arrival! I am here! I am removing the burdens and weights that have hung on you like a tattered garment! You will stand and look different! I am releasing my heavenly oil of gladness as part of your inheritance! It is yours and it will never run dry!”

COME UP HIGHER!

“For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6 NLT

I hear the Lord saying, “I am calling you to come up higher! I am calling you to see from a heavenly perspective rather than from what things would look like from the natural. Come and look through My heavenly lens and vantage point. You are seated with Me in Heavenly places, so practice looking from there! Come out into the deep! Come walk on the water! Do not waiver when things look different than you anticipated. My ways are different than yours and My thoughts are higher (Isaiah 55:8-9).”

“Let go of past grievances and the things you have not understood. Surrender them to Me. Lay them at My altar and you will find peace for your soul. Do not fear the transition that you are currently in. Remember what I have previously spoken to you. You are on the path of My choosing regardless of the roadblocks that have attempted to avert you. Stay the course! Your breakthrough is upon you!”

RENEWED STRENGTH TO RUN!

“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

“I am breathing My spirit afresh upon you! You say you have no strength left but I say I am giving you the ability to run! Your legs and your thighs will be as it was in your youth! You will also find strength as you partner with My angelic assistance and with others who run with similar direction and vision! Run with the wind of my spirit! Watch as the Doors of Grace will supernaturally open before you as rise and run with Me! Keep moving forward into your new season that is before you! What has taken years for others will be like moments for you! I am moving you to the front of the line! Where you have previously been last, you will now be first! Lift your eyes precious ones! Your redemption is here!”

“I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8 NASB