Would you like to trade in your ashes for a crown of beauty?
Your mourning for a joyous blessing?
Your despair for festive praise?
Isaiah 61:3 NLT
[3] To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.61.3.NLT
Call on the name of the Lord:
Joel 2:32 NLT
[32] But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape, just as the Lord has said. These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called.
https://bible.com/bible/116/jol.2.32.NLT
No matter the enemies we may face, our victory comes from the Lord:
Psalms 3:1-8 NLT
[1] O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. [2] So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” Interlude [3] But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. [4] I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude [5] I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. [6] I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. [7] Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! [8] Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people. Interlude
Harold J. Ballinger 