Day 21 – Signs and Wonders in Grief
Scripture: Isaiah 61:3
“To give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...”
When the world burns down, beauty seems impossible. What is feels like a desert—dry, barren, endless. But Isaiah speaks of a God who specializes in divine exchanges: beauty, oil of joy, garment of praise. Not because you earned it, or because the pain magically disappears, but because God is quietly working resurrection in the rubble.
In the midst of sorrow, you may feel a glimmer of God’s work—a sudden peace, a meaningful dream, a bird singing by your window. These are not coincidences. There are no coincidences in God’s Kingdom. They are love letters, whispers from heaven, reminding you that you are not alone.
This isn’t about denying the sorrow. It’s about finding that even in the ruins, God plants seeds of hope and encouragement. Sometimes the courage to get out of bed is a sign that God is there, giving you strength for that moment.
When a stranger smiles, when a song hits your heart with a flood of joy—know that these are signs—not flashy miracles, but sacred signs that grief is not the final verdict.
Look closely. God is not waiting until your better to show you grace. He’s doing it now.
Be open for the still, small voice of God to speak. His voice, and His actions, may not be loud or spectacular—but they’re exactly what your soul needs.
Practice for Today
Look for one small moment of unexpected beauty today. It could be light, a word, a memory, a kindness. Acknowledge it aloud: “This is God’s grace.”
Journaling Prompt
What small moments of beauty or kindness have appeared in my grief? How did they affect me?
Closing Blessing
Feel the Spirit stir in your ashes.
Beauty still grows here.
Hope still breathes here.
God is still creating—starting with you.
Pray as You Go
Inhale: In the ashes…
Exhale: …I will look for beauty.