The phrase “garment of praise” comes from Isaiah 61:3 which says, “to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” This verse is speaking prophetically about the coming Messiah and the blessings He will bring. So what does it mean to wear a “garment of praise”?
1. Garment of praise contrasts the spirit of heaviness
The garment of praise is contrasted with a “spirit of faintness” or “spirit of heaviness” as some translations put it. A spirit of heaviness refers to an attitude characterized by despair, depression, sadness, grief, or hopelessness. The prophet Isaiah says that Jesus will exchange this spirit of heaviness for a garment of praise. Instead of being weighted down with negative emotions, believers will be lifted up in joyful praise to God.
2. It signifies putting on an attitude of praise
The imagery of putting on a garment illustrates that praise is not just a spontaneous emotional response but an intentional attitude and mindset. Just as we make a choice to get dressed each day, we can make a deliberate choice to “put on” an outlook of praise. This means focusing our thoughts on the goodness of God and expressing it through worship, thanksgiving, and joyful celebration. The garment of praise is a metaphor for consciously wrapping ourselves in an approach of adoring God.
3. It involves speaking, singing, and declaring praise
Garments are visible outward coverings. So the garment of praise includes outward expressions of praise through speaking, singing, shouting, and declaring the goodness of God (Psalm 35:28, Psalm 149:6). It is praise that can be seen and heard by others. The prophet indicates that those who receive this garment will not just feel inner joy but will openly manifest it in their words, songs, and sounds of celebration.
4. It is given by God
Isaiah 61:3 shows that the garment of praise is given by the Lord. It does not come naturally for people who are grieving and weighted down. But God in His mercy gives us this garment of praise to lift our spirits and empower praise. It is a supernatural gift from God to transform suffering into rejoicing. Only through Christ can we exchange mourning and despair for glorious, vibrant praise.
5. It is worn by the righteous
Later in Isaiah 61:3, those wearing the garment of praise are called “oaks of righteousness.” Righteousness here means being in right relationship with God. The garment of praise is not given to all automatically. It is a blessing for those who walk in obedience to God and have been made righteous through faith in Christ. Their righteousness leads naturally to praise.
6. It brings glory to God
The ultimate purpose of the garment of praise is to glorify God. Isaiah 61:3 concludes, “that he may be glorified.” As we put on praise, speak praise, sing praise, and testify to God’s goodness, it brings Him glory and displays His splendor to the world. Wearing the garment of praise is not about drawing attention to ourselves but shining a spotlight on our glorious Savior.
7. Examples of the garment of praise
There are many examples in Scripture of those who demonstrate the garment of praise:
- David frequently speaks in the Psalms of praising God with joyful singing, loud shouts, and musical instruments (Psalm 63:5, Psalm 149:3).
- After being healed, the lame man at the temple “entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:8). His healing prompted exuberant external praise.
- Paul and Silas sang hymns of praise while locked in prison, which lifted their spirits and testified to the other prisoners (Acts 16:25).
- The heavenly multitudes wear white robes and sing praises to the Lamb who redeemed them (Revelation 7:9-10).
In light of Jesus’ sacrifice that redeems us from sin and despair, wearing the garment of praise is the appropriate response for believers. Though difficulties come, we can still orient our perspective around praising our mighty Savior. As we put on the garment of praise, we proclaim Christ’s victory and glorify Him in all circumstances.
8. How to wear the garment of praise
For those struggling with spiritual faintness or heaviness, here are some practical tips for wearing the garment of praise:
- Remember the gospel. Remind yourself of what Christ has done for you and meditate on the hope of eternity with Him. The gospel gives fuel for praise in any situation (1 Peter 1:3-6).
- Give thanks. Actively count your blessings and voice thanksgiving for what God has done. Gratitude redirects our focus to God’s goodness and primes our hearts for praise (Psalm 100:4-5).
- Speak, sing, and testify of God’s goodness. Verbalizing truths about God’s character, worshipping Him in song, and sharing testimonies of His work in our lives reinforces a spirit of praise.
- Replace negative thoughts with praise. When discouraged, anxious or despairing thoughts arise, counter them by speaking Scripture and praise. Say them out loud if needed (Psalm 103:1-2).
- Start each day putting on praise. Before anything else, orient your mind to praise through thanksgiving, declaring Scriptures, singing hymns, etc. Don’t wait until you “feel” like praising.
- Do it as a sacrifice. Even when praise is difficult, offer it willingly to God as a sacrifice. He takes pleasure in the humble offering of contrite hearts (Psalm 51:17).
- Invite others to praise with you. Attending corporate worship and discussing God’s goodness with other believers reinforces a garment of praise (Psalm 35:18).
The garment of praise gives beauty for ashes. Despite grief, despair or shame over our lives and circumstances, we can clothe ourselves in joyful worship to God. This brings Him glory as others see His transforming work in us through the garment of praise.
9. Blessings of the garment of praise
Why is the garment of praise so vital for God’s people? What are the blessings of intentionally putting it on? Consider just some of the benefits:
- It lifts our gaze from our troubles to the greatness and goodness of God (Psalm 34:1-3).
- It reassures us of God’s presence, protection and provision when we face adversity (Psalm 56:3-4, Habakkuk 3:17-19).
- It gives us strength to endure and persevere through suffering (Acts 16:25).
- It releases feelings of joy, peace, and comfort, even in the midst of sorrow (Psalm 30:11-12).
- It defeats spiritual heaviness that tries to smother us in despair (Psalm 42:5-6).
- It inspires and instructs others around us (Psalm 34:1-3, Colossians 3:16).
- It fulfills our purpose to glorify God through our lives (Isaiah 61:3, 1 Peter 2:9).
Putting on the garment of praise radically transforms our mindset and infuses joy into our hearts. Even if circumstances don’t change, praising God allows us to rise above challenges and experience His sweet presence and comfort. It is a valuable spiritual discipline for every believer.
10. The ultimate garment of praise
While we can put on praise here on earth, one day those who know Christ will receive the ultimate garment of praise. Revelation 3:5 says, “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life.” The fine white linen given in Revelation symbolizes the righteous deeds of the saints. And we know that one key righteous deed is praising the One who redeemed us!
Heaven will be filled with joyful praise as we fully realize the wonders of our gracious God. The pure white garments represent the natural outflowing of praise from lives made perfectly righteous. Our praise will never cease for all eternity.
So in summary, the garment of praise is an intentional attitude of joyfully celebrating the Lord through our words, songs, thoughts, and actions. As we put on this spiritual garment each day, we glorify God, instruct others, defeat despair, and anticipate the fullness of praise to come in eternity. By God’s grace, may we walk worthy of the garment of praise He has given us to wear.
