The Garment of Praise

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” Isaiah 61:3a

Isaiah speaks of substituting “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” Many people today wrestle with a spirit of heaviness or depression. It is not just an attitude, feeling, or influence…it is a spirit — an evil personality that grips the heart and mind of a person bringing discouragement, frustration, and negative thoughts. This spirit robs you of the joy of the Lord, which is your strength! (See Nehemiah 8:10.)

How do you shed this evil spirit? Through PRAISE!  Every morning when you arise, you decide what clothes to wear. You go to the closet and make a distinct decision as to what to “put on.” Likewise, you must decide to “put on” the GARMENT OF PRAISE to combat the spirit of depression.

Praise is an act of your WILL! David said, “I WILL bless the Lord at all times…” (See Psalm 34:1.) (Emphasis supplied.) Sometimes it is difficult and takes sacrifice, but God loves sacrifice because it forces you to choose HIM over yourself. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

Have you “put on” your GARMENT OF PRAISE?

PRAY: “Father, You are worthy of my continual praise. Help me to decide always to ‘put on’ the garment of praise rather than the spirit of heaviness. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”