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Isaiah 61:3 (New King James Version)

"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.”


"The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness:" It's about forcing our mouths to praise Jesus when depression takes a grip of our minds and hearts. This well known mandate in Isaiah is a prophecy for our roles here on earth with the Spirit of Jesus living in us. But what we can also take from this verse is the reality that we can overcome the heaviness in our hearts and minds (even the stuff we can't explain and don't know why it's hanging around) by the simple beauty and power of worship. From praise comes the supernatural lifting of our depression and our oppression. It is the Holy Spirit in us activating the praise when you feel no emotions toward God. And He lifts the enemy's hold over our hearts and minds.

Say it out loud - "Praise Jesus" -when you've lost your joy and your heart is heavy, broken and confused. Praise Him when you feel there is no reason to praise Him. Your heaviness will be lifted and for some reason, despite the circumstances remaining the same, you will have peace.


Selah.
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