A Garment of Praise for a Spirit of Heaviness

To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. — Isaiah 61:3

A Word in Season

Years ago, during a heavy season in my life, I called one of my older sisters to process out what I was feeling. After listening for a few minutes, she interrupted to speak this verse over me: To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). She said, "Carole, when this feeling comes in, put on a garment of praise. Don’t just speak this verse over you, do what it says."

I took her words to heart and applied some of the ideas she gave me. Before long, that “spirit” of heaviness began to lift.

The Remedy for Heaviness

Heaviness is nothing new. People have felt its weight since the beginning of time. And, whether it comes from a personal struggle or circumstances far beyond our control, God has provided a remedy — and that remedy is praise.

But what is heaviness exactly? In this verse, it refers to “something dark” that weakens us or causes us to be despondent. Today, a spirit of heaviness can come through many channels; the daily news cycle, a health scare, even words spoken to, or over, us. That’s why Scripture calls it a “spirit” — it resembles a breath, a wind, something that presses in on our mind.

And when it comes, we are told to put on a garment of praise. The original word for garment means a mantle — something you wrap yourself in. Praise isn’t just a fleeting thought; it’s a covering.

How to Put on Praise

So how do we actually “put on” praise in a way that lifts heaviness? Here are a few ways I’ve learned to do it:

• Declare the Praise Psalms aloud. A good place to start is Psalms 144–149, the final six chapters of the book. They overflow with praise.

• Play praise and worship music. Not music centered on us, but songs that exalt Him.

• Give thanks out loud. For everything — life, health, family, a roof overhead, a warm bed, creation all around, food on the table, work to do. Gratitude is powerful.

• Speak His names and attributes. Proclaim who He is. His very names carry strength and victory.

Praise Breaks the Darkness

Before long, the heaviness lifts. When we exalt the Most High above our circumstances, above the dark reports that threaten our peace, the spirit of heaviness has no choice but to flee.

There’s no denying the news today is troubling on many fronts. If you’re walking through heaviness, try wrapping yourself in the garment of praise — and watch God’s faithfulness break through. Enjoy this fun song of praise, which just might have you dancing by the end: "Shackles" (Praise Him).

God Bless You Today,

Carole