The phrase "garment of praise" is found in the Bible in the book of Isaiah. Specifically, it is mentioned in Isaiah 61:3 (NIV):
"and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy 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."
This verse is part of a passage where the prophet Isaiah speaks of the Lord's favor and the transformation He will bring to His people.
What do we mean by a garment of praise? A garment is an article of clothing that is worn. Praise is an expressed approval or admiration for something or someone. What does a spirit of despair mean?
The "garment of praise" symbolizes joy and thanksgiving replacing sorrow and despair. A spirit is a nonphysical part of a person or an element in the character of a person. Despair is the complete loss of hope. With that being said, we need to look at the context of this question in regard to this passage of Scripture, which incorporates verses one, two, and three.
What Is the Context of Isaiah 61:3?
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim 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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy 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 (Isaiah 61:1-3).
These initial three verses give one of the most momentous entries of Scripture that assists us with interpreting the Bible. If we somehow managed to peruse this without knowing the New Testament, we would not make certain of whom he is discussing.
If we look at Luke 4:18-19, we see that Jesus cited these words as he read to those in the temple. Nevertheless, he halted at verse two and shut the book, and afterward says, "This day is the scripture fulfilled in your ears."
He deliberately closed the book and gave it back to the teacher, sat down, and everyone just looked at him. Isaiah's prediction up to that point was satisfied by Christ's first coming. Isaiah did not understand the contrast between the first and second coming of Christ, however, the Lord Jesus made that differentiation.
The Old Testament prophets wrote about the first and second comings of Christ, but they did not understand the length of time between the two. Peter mentions this in his writings (1 Peter 1:10-11). Peter tells us that the prophets talked about the sufferings and the glory of Christ, in which we see this in the first and second half of the Book of Isaiah.
We, on the other hand, stand in the middle of these two events. We can glance back at Christ’s first coming when He came to fulfill the prophecy in Luke 4:20-21, then to die upon the cross as our Redeemer, as stated in Isaiah 53.
Before He comes back to this world once more, the church will be taken out of this earthly realm. At the point when Christ comes to earth for the second time to set up His kingdom, He will come with retaliation, with vengeance. We can investigate Isaiah 63 where Christ is stomping the winepress, which alludes to God’s wrath.
Following the declaration of “the day of vengeance of our God,” Christ says He is going to "comfort all that mourn." This is in reference to those who are and have repented of their sins, for those who are looking and waiting for a better day to come, and for those who are obedient to God’s Word.
The hour of healing was with His first coming; the hour of judgment to His second coming “and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Now that we have a bit of background in verses one and two, we need to delve into verse three. “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion.” This means to instill gladness in those with deep sorrow and regret.
“To give unto them beauty for ashes.” In the midst of grieving and mourning, the Jews put on sackcloth, rough clothing, or coarse and corrupt garment, and spread ashes and dust on their heads. In a time to come, a crown of life will be given to those who suffer for Christ’s sake (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).
“The oil of joy for mourning.” The oil of joy indicates what was representative or symbolic of joy, grace, or gladness.
Putting on the Garment of Praise
“The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” The garment of praise actually means the garment of salvation (Isaiah 61:10). Those who have accepted the salvation of the Lord will in turn offer up praises of glory unto the Lord. In doing so, the “spirit of heaviness” (despair), will be covered by the Blood of the Lamb. But this takes a willing servant having a humble heart.
“That they might be called trees of righteousness.” To be a tree of righteousness, we must accept the atoning work of Christ on the cross so that we “should live unto righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). Our righteousness is not of our doing but that of Christ’s work.
“The planting of the Lord.” God said that He would establish a delicate twig, the Messiah, whose Kingdom would develop and turn into a safe house for all who come to Him (Ezekiel 17:22-24; Isaiah 11:1-5). We are to be situated in God’s Word “planted by the rivers of water” (Psalm 1:3). The tree does not grow where it wants to. The tree is planted where the Lord plants it.
“That he might be glorified.” The purpose that God has for all His children is to make us more like Christ (Romans 8:29). “We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:12).
This is a twofold glorification: when a believer is holy in promoting Christ and mirroring His glory, Christ is then glorified. Believers are then glorified by the limitless fullness of Christ.
Garments tell a lot about the person wearing them. Zechariah’s vision of Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-10), shows how believers obtain mercy from God. It has nothing to do with anything that we are or anything we think we can do.
However, it is God who removes our sins. Our only hope is in Christ. When we repent of our sins and ask Christ into our hearts, that is when the filthy rags are removed, and we obtain a new set of clothes (righteousness) (2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 19:8).
Although the devil may tell us that we are weak, but by putting on the garment of praise, we demonstrate that we believe in the power and strength of the Lord and that we have put on the covering of Christ (Psalm 132:9; Job 29:14).
How to Put on the Garment of Praise
While we are encouraged to swap out our spirit of despair for a garment of praise, we may be wondering exactly what that looks like. But how do we actually do that in our everyday lives? Let’s explore some practical ways to wrap ourselves in praise and joy.
Start Your Day with Gratitude
Instead of immediately diving into the stress of the day, take a moment each morning to count your blessings. List three things you’re thankful for. It could be something as simple as the warmth of your bed, the love of your family, or the beauty of a sunrise. By starting your day with gratitude, you're already putting on that garment of praise and setting a positive tone for the day.
Use Praise as a Response to Challenges
Life is full of unexpected challenges, but how you respond to them can make all the difference. When faced with a difficult situation, try praising God for His goodness and faithfulness instead of focusing on the problem. This doesn’t mean ignoring the issue but rather choosing to trust in God’s provision and love. It’s like putting on a shield of praise that helps you face difficulties with a positive and hopeful attitude.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
The company you keep and the environment you're in can greatly impact your mindset. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Listen to uplifting music, read inspirational books, and engage in activities that bring you joy. These positive influences can help reinforce your garment of praise, making it easier to maintain a spirit of gratitude and joy throughout the day.
Share Your Praise with Others
Another powerful way to wear the garment of praise is by sharing your joy with others. Compliment someone, express your appreciation, or share a positive story. When you spread positivity and praise, it not only lifts your spirit but also impacts those around you. It's a beautiful ripple effect that can transform your environment and strengthen your own sense of gratitude and joy.
By consciously choosing to put on the garment of praise each day, you invite a spirit of joy and gratitude into your life. It's a practice that can transform your outlook and bring a sense of peace and contentment, no matter what challenges you face. So, go ahead and try it—wrap yourself in praise and see how it changes your world!
Prayer to Put On the Garment of Praise
Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart full of gratitude and humility. Thank You for Your boundless love, Your unending mercy, and Your constant presence in my life. Lord, as I face the challenges and joys of this day, I ask that You help me to put on the garment of praise.
When I feel overwhelmed by worries and cares, remind me of Your faithfulness and goodness. Help me to focus on Your blessings and to see Your hand at work in every situation. Teach me to praise You in all circumstances, knowing that You are always in control and working for my good.
Fill my heart with joy and my mouth with songs of thanksgiving. Let my spirit be lifted as I recount Your marvelous deeds and proclaim Your greatness. Surround me with Your peace and let my life be a testimony of Your love and grace.
May my words, actions, and thoughts be a reflection of the praise that fills my heart. Use me to spread Your joy and light to those around me, and let my praise be a sweet aroma to You, glorifying Your name in all that I do.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of praise and the transformation it brings. Clothe me in this garment daily, and let my life be a continuous act of worship to You.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
For further reading:
How Can We Be Thankful When There Seems to Be Nothing?
What Does it Mean That God Inhabits the Praise of His People?
5 Encouraging Verses for When You Experience Grief
How Should Christians Respond to Grief?
What Does it Mean to ‘Soar on Wings Like Eagles’?
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