Dress Code Guidelines

Lots of talk about proper and modest dress comes on the heels of springtime, not without necessity. The big ruckus at work yesterday was the new summer dress guideliness, with special attention given to the length of women's pants and skirts! I found it kind of amusing. I'm not too concerned about my own wardrobe, as I've never been one to follow popular fashion. I'll continue to wear the same khakis that have stood me in good stead these last 10 years. (The style, I mean - not the same pair of pants!)

I know that, while clothes don't define me, nevertheless they do reflect what I'm about. But what I haven't been considering is my spiritual apparel. Last night I was reading Stormie Omartian's book, The Prayer that Changes Everything, about the importance of praising God. She mentioned a phrase from Isaiah, "the garment of praise" which is also the title of a song on a favorite worship CD by Robin Mark called Revival in Belfast. I looked up the verse this morning in Isaiah 61:3 ". . . to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland 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 Jehovah, that he may be glorified."

I realized God has his own standard of dress for me. He wants me dressed in his finest, and that includes exchanging a spirit of heaviness and negativity for a garment of praise. The wonderful thing is I don't need to go shopping for this heavenly apparel; neither will there be any need to return it for lack of proper fit. I won't grow out of it, nor will it wear out.

The choice is mine each new day. Will I don the ragged, worn out spirit of heaviness or will I cloth myself in the praise of my wonderful God?

Garments Of Praise

by Jamie Harvill
CHORUS
Put on the garments of praise
For the spirit of heaviness
Let the oil of gladness flow down
From Your throne

Put on the garments of praise
For the spirit of heaviness
Your joy is my strength alone
My strength alone
(Repeat)

Make these broken weary bones
Rise to dance again
Wet this dry and thirsty land
With a river
Lord our eyes are fixed on You
We are waiting
For Your garland of grace
As we praise Your name

(Repeat chorus & verse)

Hallelujah
Sing hallelujah
We give all honor and praise
To your name

Hallelujah
Sing hallelujah
We trade our sorrows
For garments of praise