By Pastor Barbara Perdue

As I was listening to praise music, the weather just changed, and that got me thinking about how to put on the garment of praise in every season of my life. The Bible tells us the importance of praise as our response to God. In fact, all of God’s creation is to praise Him according to Psalm 150:6: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”

Let’s look at some questions about a “garment of praise” and how to make sure it is in your wardrobe!

What Is a Garment of Praise?

I love to praise the Lord, but I really love the thought that praise is a garment to wear in every season of life. I have some “go-to” accessories and pieces of clothing in my wardrobe that I love because they seem to work in every season.

Here in Colorado, we can have more than one season in a day, and being prepared with the right clothing is essential when the weather quickly turns. Well, life is like that too! I can be happily spending time with my grandchildren, and then my car has a flat tire on the way home. That is a quick change of season during my day. Some changes in life’s seasons are more dramatic and life-changing.

If you’re anything like me, you want the right clothing for each weather season and each season of life! Be sure to add praise to your daily routine to help you “weather” whatever happens in your day.

What Does Garment of Praise Mean in the Bible?

Isaiah 61:3 introduces us to the “garment of praise” as something we can choose to have in our lives:

“To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

This impactful verse gives us a beautiful picture of what God offers when we’re walking through difficult seasons. There is beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

Why Is Praise Compared to a Garment?

Just like I go to my closet in the morning and pick out my clothing, I can choose my response to whatever is affecting me.

Just like I don’t have to wear a t-shirt in a snowstorm, I don’t have to be depressed when I know God is my Provider, Healer, Comforter, and Friend! Praise can become a lifestyle choice every single day.

When I put on the garment of praise, I tell God that I’m focusing on Him and not listening to any of the lies of the enemy. Just as choosing what to wear is intentional, choosing praise is something we can intentionally do throughout the day.

How Do You Put on the Garment of Praise?

I put on the garment of praise by turning my thoughts to all that God has done. Psalm 145:3 tells us, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.”

Praise is my response when I think about God’s grace and how Jesus paid the penalty for my sin when He died and rose again, victorious from the grave.

Praise also comes bubbling up out of me when I think about everything God’s Word says He has done for me:

• God created me in His image (Genesis 1:26).
• He loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
• He calls me His child (1 John 3:1).
• He has blessed me with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
• He has a good plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11).

Thinking about these truths gives me plenty of reasons to praise Him!

What Does the Spirit of Heaviness Mean?

Just like we can choose to wear the garment of praise, there is another garment in our wardrobe, the “spirit of heaviness.” Remember that Isaiah 61:3 listed the garment of praise as the opposite choice for a spirit of heaviness.

We don’t have to be depressed, anxious, or fearful when we have the garment of praise as part of our wardrobe! Rather than focus on the negative, I like to turn up the praise and watch things improve.

The circumstances around us may change quickly, just like the Colorado weather, but we can still choose what gets our attention. Praise turns our attention back to God and reminds us who He is.

How Do You Overcome Discouragement Through Praise?

Praise has a transformational quality. When I choose to praise God even when things aren’t going well, I don’t feel in the mood, or anxiety and fear are trying to get my attention, the more I praise, the more I focus on Him and not my problems.

Praise is a great way to lift a bad mood and to realize that God is with you and will help you! Praise is also an incredible expression of your faith in God.

In each season of life, you have a choice to praise and glorify God. When you can open your mouth and sing praise, His presence will fill you.

Now that’s something to praise God for!

Put on the Garment of Praise in Every Season

No matter what season of life you are experiencing right now, Jesus is there with you as you navigate through that season! We may not get to choose every circumstance that comes our way, but we can choose to keep our focus on God and praise Him for His goodness.

If you would like to pray with someone, please call our 24/7 prayer line at 719-418-4000. We also invite you to join us as we praise God at Charis Christian Center on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

You can learn more about praise from Pastor Barbara’s three-part teaching, The Power of Praise, available as a free digital download. Explore the Charis Christian Center online shop for other free teachings, confession cards, and curriculum.