Celebrate!Sample

The Armor of Praise Praise as a garment is more than a piece of clothing casually thrown over our shoulders. Praise wraps and covers us, leaving no openings through which hostile elements can penetrate. This garment of praise repels and replaces the heavy spirit. This message that Isaiah preached offers instruction and hope for those oppressed by fear or doubt. In the New Testament, Paul describes another garment that gives this same kind of protective covering (Eph. 6:10–18); he calls it armor. Yet the armor Paul advises us to wear offers us the same advantages: a covering, a protection, and a weapon. He exhorts us to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (v. 11). Let us do that today! Allow praise to become your armor. “Put on” this garment. A warm coat from our closet only resists the cold wind when it is “put on.” When distressed, be dressed—with praise! Act according to God’s Word!