"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." Isaiah 61:3
I can recall a time in my life when I felt as if I was beginning to be depressed--for no apparent reason! It seemed as if a cloud of gloom and hopelessness all of a sudden came over me. This went on for a couple of days. I thought it was nothing more than a lingering mood swing. Then, it would not leave. It felt so heavy. I began feeling like I wanted to stay home in bed and not be around anyone. It was as if I was locked in a personal prison and as much as I wanted to break free, I didn't know how. In the midst of this frightening experience, God so graciously brought these words to mind, found in the scripture listed above, "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." God wanted me to praise Him!? As ridiculous as it seemed in my finite mind, I knew I had nothing to lose -- plus I was desperate! I wanted to shake loose this feeling of doom and gloom. I started with shallow "hallelujah's" until they evolved into into hearty "hallelujah's" and "glory to God!" It was not long after this solo "praise party" began that I felt the entire atmosphere of where I stood began to shift. I felt light, free, lifted, and liberated! Woo hoo! I was back!!!
Psalm 22:3 teaches us that God inhabits the praises of His people. To put it simply, where God's praises are, there He is. You put on the garment of praise by verbally acknowledging the goodness of God. When we put on the garment of praise, we put on the presence of God. In the presence of the Lord, there is fullness of joy! (Psalm 16:11) Are you in need of joy? Then, whip out that garment of praise and get busy bringing God on the scene! You now have the key.
If you know anyone experiencing depression, please share this devotion with them. With God, all things are possible. Stay blessed.
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