Isaiah 61:3

"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."

What makes you "mourn" today? Is it a relationship lost, an opportunity gone, or a state of being that makes you miserable? God promises "beauty for ashes" here, blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. Don't let the present moment predict the future. Trust in the God who promises beauty for ashes, and hope steadfastly for the change that is surely on its way.
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

Psalm 72:11–14

"All kings will bow before him,
and all nations will serve him.
He will rescue the poor when they cry to him;
he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.
He feels pity for the weak and the needy,
and he will rescue them.
He will redeem them from oppression and violence,
for their lives are precious to him."

Psalm 72 is a prayer of Solomon, presumably for his reign as king and his sons' reign after him. However, he lapses into what looks like a description of God's reign. These verses describe a being who has God's own heart of compassion for the oppressed, weak, and needy. Do you, like Solomon, share God's thirst for justice? What can you do today to help alleviate someone else's suffering and bring justice into play?
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

Philippians 1:19

"For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance."

What kept Paul going were the prayers of others and the direct help of the Holy Spirit. These bolstered his faith that everything was working together for his deliverance. How much do you depend on the prayers of others and your own experience of the Spirit's help?
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions