“A garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)
New runners tend to wear heavier clothes than necessary. They dress for the beginning of the run rather than the end--forgetting that the body heats up after a few miles. Experienced runners dress in lighter, cooler clothes, anticipating what is to come. Even though it might seem ridiculous to dress in shorts and t-shirts when it is chilly outside, even though they are uncomfortable in the beginning, they know they are appropriately attired for the finish.
When faced with adversity, most of us slip into a spirit of heaviness. We focus on the present conditions rather than on what is to come. The antidote to despair is praise and trust in God. It might seem foolish to don the garment of praise when things seem bleak. However, those who have experienced Christ know that there is no better covering. It frees us from oppressive fear and allows us to move forward without the burden of worry. We leap confidently, reminding ourselves of God’s power and providence. We willingly suffer the discomfort of our present life, because we know what to expect at the finish.
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