When my youngest daughter was 16 years old, she had one tooth that needed a crown. When we arrived at the dentist’s office, a young, handsome dentist presented my impressionable daughter with a single rose (it really was like a scene from a movie). This little act of kindness made the whole process much easier to handle.

Now, let’s talk real world here. It’s been twelve years since the crown incident. A great deal of living has occurred since then. And that crown has finally cracked.

This scenario is much like life. We begin almost in a fairy-tale dream. As youngin’s we believe everything will fall into place and life will be grand. Perhaps the handsome prince will arrive with a rose. With his skills, this prince will create a beautiful life. A perfect, beautiful life.

[Record scratch sound effect]

Now, let’s talk real world here. Things don’t always turn out like our fairy-tale dreams do they? No. Our handsome prince disappoints. Our dream girl breaks our heart. A career becomes work. Financial success becomes a burden. Poor health or medical diagnoses inflict deep pain. Loved ones pass on from this world.

Life doesn’t go as planned and the cracked crown can be found in a corner buried under a heap of trash. Can you relate?

I’ve had my share of cracked crown moments in life. But dear friend, I’m here to share some encouraging words from our Sovereign Lord. When there doesn’t seem to a glimmer of hope in your day, I pray that you will remember the words spoken by the prophet Isaiah through God’s Spirit in Isaiah 61. Take a look.

“The Spirit of the Lord, the Eternal, is on me.

The Lord has appointed me for a special purpose.

He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to repair broken hearts, and to declare to those who are held captive and bound in prison, ‘Be free from your imprisonment!’

He has sent me to announce the year of jubilee, the season of the Eternal’s favor; for our enemies it will be a day of God’s wrath; for those who mourn it will be a time of comfort.

As for those who grieve over Zion, God has sent me to give them a beautiful crown in exchange for ashes, to anoint them with gladness instead of sorrow, to wrap them in victory, joy and praise instead of depression and sadness.

People will call them magnificent, like great towering trees standing for what is right.

They stand to the glory of the Eternal who planted them.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 – The Voice)

This chapter goes on to describe the rebuilding that would take place. How the ruined cities and lives would be restored. And then, hope is presented.

“The whole earth sprouts newness and life in the springtime, and green shoots break through the well-seeded garden soil. That’s what it is like with the Eternal’s victory.” (Isaiah 61:11a – The Voice)

Don’t you love these words? That’s what it is like with the Eternal’s victory! A new crown. Gladness. Joy. Praise. Security. Freedom. Healed heart. Comfort. Glorious riches. Victory.

Perhaps you need a little bit of this victory today. Or maybe you need a lot. If you need to experience the Eternal’s victory, Jesus has paid the price. Jesus removed His royal crown to wear a crown of thorns for you (and me). All you need to do is accept Jesus as the Lord of your life. If I can help, I’d be happy to help you with this decision.

For those of you who have already accepted Jesus, maybe you need to have your crown repaired. If so, Jesus is great at mending what needs fixed. Take all the broken pieces of your crown and lay them at Jesus’ feet. In return, Jesus will give you a beautiful crown.

Let’s make an appointment!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna