Just Put Your Praise On

“To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; . . .” (Isaiah 61:3, NKJV)

The prophetic word of the prophet Isaiah, speaks of the one who would come and proclaim these words and His ministry to the world. These were the words Jesus spoke in the synagogue in Nazareth, declaring His mission, ministry and purpose. After reading this passage Jesus declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus came to give, “beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”

Notice now the word says the “garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Praise is a garment that is to be worn. But garments must first be put on.

As we look around the world and our lives, there is much that can give us a “spirit of heaviness.” Financial troubles, relational struggles, health issues, attacks from without and within, all can make one feel a deep since of heaviness. Yet, we must remember, Jesus came and gave us a garment of praise for our spirit of heaviness. We just have to put our garment on.

Put your praise on when times get hard. Put your praise on when you are under attack. Put your praise on when you get bad news. Put your praise on when you are confused and do not know which way to turn. Remember, Jesus has already given you the garment. Reach into the closet of your spirit every day of your life and JUST PUT YOUR PRAISE ON!