Trees of Righteousness

“…to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 ESV

This is one of my favorite Scriptures in all the Bible, in any translation. The “trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord” part brings an image that causes pure joy to rise up in my spirit. Every time I see a strong, stately, beautiful tree, this Scripture rushes to my remembrance and I feel at peace.

Think of the many blessings God gives us from the humble tree. A tree’s leaves absorb carbon dioxide and generate oxygen. We are supposed to be a breath of fresh air to our surroundings! It produces fruit, provides shelter, shade, a windbreak against the violent storm; it’s a home to many birds and small animals. It prevents the topsoil from eroding away so that the landscape is lush and full of growth. We put tire swings on trees for our kids, and we have picnics under the comforting canopy of their branches. They are the recognizable landmarks we use to give others directions. Some of them become the paper we write on, the homes we live in, and the fuel that keeps us warm in winter. Their bark, leaves, and roots are medicine. There is no part of the tree that fails to provide value, no season of life in which it has no active role in the ecosystem…and even in the tree’s death, it continues to give.

Lord, make us trees of righteousness, fulfilling every purpose You intended when You planted us. Help us to bring value and meaning and a reflection of Your goodness in our surroundings every day. You’ve brought us through hard times and heaviness, so may we receive Your grace and allow Your healing to set forth meaning as we share that hope with others.

May we glorify You in all we say and do! May we remain aware of the significance and responsibility of being Your “trees” as we display continual evidence of Your goodness! Amen and amen!