Yesterday we discussed that our ability to choose to adorn ourselves for the Lord is because God has “clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Is. 61:10). This morning I meditated over that verse and was actually able to feel the warmth of His robe of righteousness and salvation covering me.

When Jesus began His ministry (Luke 4:16-21), He read from Scripture a few verses prior to verse 10.  In this Scripture we see that the Lord has given us another garment–that of praise: “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…to comfort all who mourn…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.” (Is. 61:2-3)

In “Reflecting God”, Kay Smith tells us: “We are daughters of a King. When we forget that–when we go about clothed in the garments of righteousness, salvation and praise that He’s given us, but we also carry about anger, bitterness and despair–the world fails to see the beauty of Christ in us.” Throughout my life there have been times where I fell into deep depressions. In meditating on this verse I came to an “aha” moment that I hope I will remember when depression comes upon me again.

When I choose to carry about anger, bitterness and despair, I am not fully trusting in the Lord. If I were, I would forgive more easily because I would trust that He has a plan and that all will work out as He intends. I could let go of depression because of all that He has done, knowing the plans He has for all of us will be glorious. I would be dressed in His glory; in the garments of the salvation He so freely gives to those who but accept; and then be surrounded in the warmth of His robe of righteousness. In trusting Him fully, I am completely decked out in the beauty He gives, in display for His glory.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jer. 17:7-8) It is the fruit of trusting in Him fully that allows His glorious light to shine through me, no matter the circumstances. In that trust others will be able to see a mighty oak planted and tended by the Lord, instead of a scrubby bush that no one delights in. I aim to be a well-tended and mighty oak for His glory!