“The mantle or garment of praise instead of a spirit of fainting or heaviness.” Isaiah 61: 3c NASB (95)
I want to share something exciting you may not know or might have overlooked.
The Lord designed a garment of praise exclusively for you. You may put it on whenever you like. In fact, you may wear it all the time! Remember the beautiful robe Joseph wore – that identified him as the beloved son? This garment of sonship perfectly suits your personality and temperament.
There’s a catch.
You, alone, have the authority to pick up the mantle of praise and put it on.
Every morning when you wake, you may slip into this garment before your feet touch the ground. Every night before you sleep, you may wrap this mantle around you. Before going out the door, you may cover yourself with this protective mantle that will embrace you in the storm.
What Is the Mantle of Praise?
I love this word for “mantle” used only in Isaiah 61. What is compelling about this garment is when you wrap yourself in this protective covering, it covers you from head to foot. Not one part of you remains exposed to danger.
Wrapping the mantle of praise about you repels the assault of the enemy, who sneaks up and tries to attack from behind. This powerful tool overcomes anything that comes to steal, kill, or destroy your peace.
You, alone, have the authority to pick up the mantle of praise and put it on.
How Can I Put On the Garment of Praise?
When God feels far away, lift your eyes and sing praises, for He is holy, and He inhabits the praises of His people. In fact, Psalm 22:3 says He is enthroned and sits as King on the praises of Israel. Grafted into the vine – this promise of Him drawing close––is true for you.
I was thrilled when I learned about this mantle of praise. The moment I am afraid, I can put it on. As I habitually drew this garment on, I discovered praising God changed my attitude. And as I lifted my voice in praise––something happened inside me. I felt better! God designed my brain to flourish. Praise releases healthy hormones to flow through my body whenever I praise Him. The same is true for you.
Praise protects you from danger and gives you the courage to trust God and believe He has a good purpose for your life––even in the midst of whatever storm assaults you. Praise, especially when sung, lifts you out of the slough of despond and sets your feet on the Rock. It brings clarity of sight – impacting the veil that blinds and blocks joy.
Praise has the power to define your reality and your identity.
Why Is the Mantle of Praise Powerful?
Life happens. Some days are difficult. But praise empowers you. When you daily put on the mantle of praise by lifting your voice in gratitude and praise to the Lord, it does amazing things! It changes the landscape of your brain even as it transforms your thoughts and attitudes.
- If you want to be a mighty warrior and not move in defeat put on the garment of praise.
- If you want to be more like Jesus, lift your voice in thanksgiving as you put on the mantel of praise.
- Does fog cloud your mind? Do you feel confused? Lift your heart and praise the Lord.
- If you are overwhelmed by loneliness––slip into the mantle of praise and enjoy His presence.
- When tormented by churning thoughts––renew your mind by lifting your voice to sing His praises.
What If I Feel too Dirty to Wear the Garment of Praise?
Jesus took your rags and gave you His robe of righteousness.
The moment that happened – the Heavenly Father washed you. As far as the East is from the West, so far did He remove your sins from you, and with tenderness, He birthed you into a new life.
Today, you stand arrayed with the righteousness of Christ. No matter what happens or what you choose, God accepts no condemnation against you as legitimate. You are His son, born into His eternal family. He wrote your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life. He sealed you with His Holy Spirit and placed you in Christ.
Today, you stand arrayed with the righteousness of Christ.
Come to the Messiah.
He laid aside His glory, and in humility, He took the form of a human. Born in Bethlehem, he depended on Mary and Joseph for His care.
As a man, He ministered to the brokenhearted. Jesus gave sight to the blind, healed the lame, raised the dead, and preached a message of hope to the poor. Altogether love, but despised and rejected, they nailed Him to a cruel cross. Motivated by love, He died in your place and mine, taking our rags upon Himself – He paid the penalty for our sins.
As you step into His appointed position for you, your identity changes, and you live for the praise of His glory.
Dear Heart,
The Lord beckons you to put on the mantle of praise. Not just when you feel good or while at church. But all through the day.
You long to grow close to the Lord. Please know He also longs to draw close to you.
Simply put on the garment of praise. Make the choice to take off the garment of heaviness and put on the Lord. As you praise, He embraces you and holds you safe, protecting you from evil.
But He cannot do this without your permission. He is a Gentleman, and He never presumes. Putting on the mantle of praise isn’t a one-time thing. For the psalmist said, “Lift your eyes and let your mouth be filled with the Lord’s praises all the day” (Psalm 71:8 KJV).
Something happens in the heavenlies when you put on the mantle of praise.
The kingdom of darkness has intelligence. Its focus is to discourage and depress you in your journey through life. If you have experienced trauma or abuse, those feelings of oppression come from a spirit of heaviness that seeks to isolate you and steal your joy.
You don’t have to be afraid of that, because praise places you under the authority of the Lord. His light shields and separates you from darkness and ostracism. As you put on praise, you draw the Holy Spirit about you.
The manifestation of His presence is love, joy, and peace – even in the place of pain.
Think about it. Praise positions you to be filled by the Holy Spirit. The dark hates praise. So as you become a person of praise, it drives back the darkness and enables you to think with clarity.
Something amazing happens as you exchange the spirit of weakness and heaviness for the Spirit of the Lord. You step into His appointed position for you, your identity changes, and you live for the praise of His glory.
“Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name”
Hebrews 13:15 (NASB)
Are you tired of automatically shutting down with the freeze response? Knowing you have this response is an important step in your healing! Learn more about how to navigate this trauma response in my podcast below.
