He Gives Beauty For Ashes Exchange Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"He Gives Beauty For Ashes" is a song by Crystal Lewis that speaks to the theme of redemption and restoration. It is a reminder that no matter how broken and damaged we may feel, God has the power to transform our lives and make something beautiful out of the ashes of our past.
Inspiration and Story Behind the Song
The inspiration behind this song comes from the Bible verse Isaiah 61:3, which reads, "To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." This verse speaks of God's desire to bring healing and restoration to His people, even in the midst of their pain and suffering.
Crystal Lewis, the songwriter and performer of "He Gives Beauty For Ashes," has shared that the song was written during a difficult time in her life. She was struggling with feelings of guilt and shame over mistakes she had made in her past. However, through prayer and reflection on God's Word, she was reminded of His promise to make all things new. This inspired her to write a song that would encourage others who may be in a similar place of brokenness and despair.
Meaning of the Song
The lyrics of "He Gives Beauty For Ashes" speak to the transformation that can take place in our lives when we surrender our brokenness and pain to God. The phrase "beauty for ashes" is a metaphor for the idea that God can take the ashes of our past mistakes and turn them into something beautiful. This can include things like healing from emotional wounds, freedom from addiction, and restoration of broken relationships.
The chorus of the song reads:
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
Each line in this chorus speaks to a different aspect of the transformation that God can bring about in our lives. "Beauty for ashes" speaks to the idea of redemption and restoration. "Strength for fear" reminds us that God can give us the courage to face our fears and overcome them. "Gladness for mourning" speaks to the idea of joy and happiness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Finally, "peace for despair" reminds us that God can give us the peace that surpasses all understanding, even when we are going through trials and struggles.
Bible Verse References
As mentioned previously, the inspiration for "He Gives Beauty For Ashes" comes from Isaiah 61:3. This verse is part of a larger passage that speaks to God's mission to bring healing and restoration to His people. The full passage reads:
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. 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." (Isaiah 61:1-3, NLT)
This passage speaks to God's desire to bring healing and restoration to those who are hurting. It reminds us that even in the midst of our pain and suffering, God is with us and wants to bring us comfort and hope.
Practical Application
The message of "He Gives Beauty For Ashes" is one that is relevant to all Christians, regardless of where they are in their faith journey. We all have areas of brokenness and pain in our lives, and we all need God's healing touch.
One practical application of this song is to remind ourselves of God's promises when we are going through difficult times. When we are feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances, we can turn to God's Word and be reminded of His faithfulness. We can take comfort in knowing that He is with us, and that He has the power to bring beauty out of our brokenness.
Another practical application of this song is to encourage others who may be going through difficult times. We can share the message of "He Gives Beauty For Ashes" with those who are hurting, and remind them that God is with them and wants to bring them healing and restoration.
In conclusion, "He Gives Beauty For Ashes" is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to bring healing and restoration to His people. It is a song that speaks to the theme of redemption and transformation, and reminds us that no matter how broken and damaged we may feel, God has the power to make something beautiful out of the ashes of our past.
