19/10/07

Put on a New Garment Today!

"Provide for those who grieve...a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor" (Isaiah 61:3 NIV).

Do you need a new garment today? I'm not talking about a physical garment. I'm talking about what's covering your mind and emotions. Are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing "heaviness"? If you've gone through a hurtful situation, the Bible says there is a time to grieve, and it's important to release that hurt to the Lord. But the Bible also tells us that God wants to give you a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. You can put on a garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened spirit. What's holding you back today? Are the garments of yesterday weighing you down and holding you back? The garment of praise is light and filled with peace and joy. Don't carry those heavy burdens around anymore! Today is the day for new garments! Forgive those who have hurt you and begin to praise Him! Thank God for life today. Thank Him for the beautiful sunrise. Thank him for restoring you, even if you don't see it yet. And this verse says, you will be called an oak of righteousness, strong and secure, and you will display the splendor of the Lord all the days of your life!


[ Prayer for the Day ]

Heavenly Father, I come to You today and ask that You take off my old, heavy garments of despair and heaviness. Make me new today. Help me put on a garment of praise so that I can be a display of Your glory and splendor. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

Isaiah 61:1-3
¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
   to preach good news to the poor.
   He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
   to proclaim freedom for the captives
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,

² to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
   and the day of vengeance of our God,
   to comfort all who mourn,

³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion -
   to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
   the oil of gladness
   instead of mourning,
   and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
   They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)