In the previous article in this series, we looked at two purposes of the anointing – liberty for the captives and freedom for spiritual prisoners. Let’s look at another reason why God bestows the anointing on His people from the scriptural text below.
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, 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 – Isaiah 61:2-3
To Comfort Those Who Mourn
We are faced with lots of challenges on a daily basis irrespective of our faith, tribe, race, background, and so forth. It is interesting to know that even in Zion, there are those who mourn (Isaiah 61:1). Christ never minced words when He spoke to His disciples (and to us) saying: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” – John 16:33. Our consolation is in the second part of the Scripture, ‘Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.’
The anointing we have received is to bring comfort to those who mourn; we’re to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness by the operation of the anointing. This anointing for the mourners can be administered by the preaching of hope from the Word of God and the impartation of joy and comfort by the Holy Spirit. By pointing men to Jesus, we help them recover their peace and dignity which was lost in Adam. As we offer our lives as channels for the anointing, may we truly become a source of joy, peace, and hope to our world in Jesus’ Name!
By pointing men to Jesus, we help them recover their peace and dignity which was lost in Adam
The Garment of Praise – God’s Answer to the Spirit of Heaviness
Heaviness which can also be termed gloominess, depression, sadness, or moodiness is a spirit. This spirit takes advantage of sudden unpleasant events which may leave one stigmatized or traumatize for a time. God’s answer to the spirit of heaviness is the garment of praise! Praise is an expression of our gratitude to God for who He is; where He took us from; and where He has brought us in our life’s journey. Ingratitude itself can be a breeding ground for the spirit of depression.
praise is not about your voice but it is about your heart of gratitude to God
When we praise God even for expectations yet unmet, there will be no room for the spirit of heaviness because God inhabits our praises (Psalm 22:3). When we praise God, the spirit of depression is defeated because praise is a spiritual weapon of war (Psalm 149:6-9). Praise is also a source of joy; we can’t be praising God and mourning at the same time – the two cannot coexist! And praise is not about your voice but it is about your heart of gratitude to God. There are various ways of expressing our praises to God – singing, clapping, dancing, instrumentation, exalting with words of affirmation, extolling His greatness, and so forth. Make up your heart to live a lifestyle of praise today, and see the spirit of heaviness perpetually defeated. Shalom!
World Changers Magazine 