As we come to worship, let us remember that praise as a garment is more than a piece of clothing casually thrown over our shoulders. Praise wraps and covers us, leaving no openings through which hostile elements can penetrate. This garment of praise repels and replaces the heavy spirit with which we sometimes find ourselves covered.
In the New Testament, Paul describes another garment that gives us this same protective covering (Ephesians 5:10-18). He calls it armour. It is protective covering and a weapon. Paul encourages us to “put on” the whole armour of God, so that we can stand against the wiles of the devil (verse 11).Let me encourage you to do this today. Allow praise to become your armour - put on this garment! A warm coat from the wardrobe, when it is put on, only helps us resist the cold.
When distressed, be dressed - with praise!
God’s promise is beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
Isaiah 61:3, KJV
Pastor Roger
