Isaiah 61:3 says, “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.”

If we go out today (temperature is presently 8 degrees) most will wear a coat and try to protect our body from the cold air. Putting on the garment of praise from this scripture has a valuable meaning for believers. We all believe in praise, but the word ‘garment’ suggest that praise is like a wrap or covering, not something causally draped over the shoulders, but a garment that is tightly wrapped around us with no openings which would allow hostile elements to enter our spirit-man.

We must realize that putting on the garment of praise allows our whole being to respond to God’s mercy over the needs of our lives. Praise is exchanged or replaces heaviness, discouragement, doubt and fear. While considering “What am I going to do?”, or “How will I get the finances needed,” just have a praise session and see how your heart, your spirit-man, opens up to the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will bring clarity and take away the heaviness that comes with worry. “When distressed, be dressed-with praise.”

Read Psalm 150. This beautiful praise scripture ends with this: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Praise the Lord!