What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?
Today, I’m wearing the garment of praise! I’ve been a worshipper of Jesus a long time, my robe is worn, tattered, and well loved in. Like my Bible it’s got miles on it!
“to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3 ESV
There are many things to worry about in each of our lives. We have to actively choose to set aside fear, worry, doubt, depression, and anxiety. A garment covers and protects our bodies from the elements. When we choose to put on the garment of praise we are clothing ourselves in hope, faith, and trust. Remember God knows what we need.
Many times the voices around us can become negative and we begin to tune in. We start complaining more or feeling frustrated often. We must remain in good spirits! I am the first to raise my hand that I can let worry talk me out of blessings! However the more I fill my mind with the word of God, and worship; the less time I have to entertain those things. Don’t beat yourself up if you get off track, just gently pivot.
The word repentance, means to turn away from sin and go back to God’s way. One way of God, is to be filled with supernatural joy. Joy that’s not about fame, riches, status, health, etc. This joy comes from being content. We put on the garment of praise, even when it’s hard to utter one grateful word! Right now my leg has a cramp, I could complain. It hurts but I choose to reframe, my leg is sore from exercising and it will yield results later.
Maybe you have a deep emotional wound, health issue or financial burden. I understand the frustration we all have problems. However I’m encouraging you gently to take a step back and gain perspective. Tell yourself, “ I am well capable of handling this problem, and I choose to remain positive.” At first it feels silly to be positive when we are angry, sad, frustrated or hurt. Put on your garment anyway!
There is an old song we used to sing at church that says, “Late in the midnight hour, God’s gonna turn it around!” This song is an upbeat anthem that our problems won’t last forever! We choose to believe that God CAN and WILL show up if we remain in faith! Remember midnight is the darkest part of night, that’s why it’s significant. Just when it looks like day will never break, and I’m talking about in our problems! Sometimes it does get worse before it gets better.
In the Bible, two men were imprisoned for sharing the gospel. They had been beat up and thrown in prison. Paul was what we call a frequent flyer! He spent time in jail often for being a follower of Jesus. On this particular night, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns late into the night. Mind you, these men were just stripped of their garments and beaten with rods!
Their clothes removed, their bodies battered, tired and exhausted from preaching and traveling. How could they have mustered up the energy to SING AND PRAY? This is the supernatural power of praise! They put on the garment of praise and it caused a great miracle to occur! Now I have been in a lot of situations, but not like this! And yet like these men I’ve had to praise from a place of knowing who God is beyond my feelings!
Have you ever had to keep a smile to keep from crying? How many times have you told someone at the store you were fine when asked the question we all hate, “How are you doing?” That question at the wrong time feels almost intrusive! It seems to come up on days that aren’t going so good! And what do we say? “IM FINE/GOOD HOW ARE YOU?” Our sweet, little, hospitable hearts don’t usually want to say what we actually feel! “NO! Susan, I am NOT fine, I’m having a terrible day, please go away!”
All joking aside friends, I’ve been there! I know you have too. Paul and Silas did not feel good, they were hurting. They choose to lift their own spirits by singing and praying. They did what God asks all of us to do. Be content in all circumstances. Content, not fake or lying about your feelings. We just take a stance of peace. I choose to put on the garment of praise. Some may say an attitude of gratitude.
So what happened to Paul and Silas?
What they thought was just a comfort for their weary hearts, blessed an entire prison.
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.”
Acts 16:25-26 ESV
Put on your garment of praise, you never know what doors it may open in your own life! Remember God is never late, he’s always right on time!
Happy Reading & God bless!
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