Okay, clothes. It’s time to go.
The strangest thing happened.
Still in my red Buc-ee’s tee shirt (aka, pajamas), I went to my closet to get ready for the day. Fortunately, the laundry was clean and on hangers and not still in piles on the bed. I stretched my arms side to side.
Okay, clothes. It’s time to go. Jump out of the closet and get on me.
How rude! The clothes ignored me. It’s like they raised one eyebrow, tilted on their hangers, and shook back and forth with a, No way, Jose, kind of look.
Obviously, I did not truly expect the clothes to hop off their hangers and do all the work of dressing me. But I went ahead with my silly moment as a reminder…
God has given me a garment of praise, but it’s my job to put it on.
Sure. There are magical encounters when God’s goodness is so tangible that, it’s hard to Not praise Him. As much as I treasure this, it’s not everyday life. Can I still wear praise with crusty sleep in my eyes while staggering to the coffee pot? Can I still wear praise when the bills outnumber the bank account, questions loom larger than answers, or yesterday’s stress weighs heavily on the new day?
Yes. Most assuredly, yes!
It’s not always easy, though. Sometimes… I just don’t feel like it. I would rather the garment of praise just jump out of the closet and clothe me. That’s when I have a choice. Will I praise the Lord, not because I’m forced to, but because I want to? So I talk to myself.
Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Let all that is within me, bless His holy name!
When clothed in praise, I begin to see clearer through Heaven’s perspective. My heart warms with reminders of God’s faithful provision. As far as questions go, some get answered. Some don’t. That’s okay, because rest enters my soul through the awareness of God’s compassionate presence. Burdens seem lighter when, The One Who Cares, helps to carry the load. I don’t have to do it all in my strength alone.
How about you? What will you put on today?
As for me, I am going to take clothes off the hangers, and put on my lightweight powder blue tee shirt and soft loose fitting capris; perfect for relaxing on this sticky hot humid day. Most importantly, I will put on my garment of praise.
Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Let all that is within me, bless His holy name!
“To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.””
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Let all that is within me, bless His holy name!”
If you're having a tough time getting your praise on, click the link below. It helps me during such times. I thought it might help you.