Focus 2020 – The Great Commission: Perspectives from LeadersSample

A Garment of Praise 

Bible passages: Isaiah 61:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Matthew 11:28–30 

Devotional: 

During this pandemic the Lord brought to mind a chorus from college days. I searched for the scripture first in the Psalms, but eventually found it in Isaiah 63. (Praise the LORD for the KJV, eh?) 

The chorus goes: 

Put on a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness, lift up your voice to God.

Praise with the Spirit, and with understanding. 

O, magnify the LORD! 

For Kathleen and me, the ministry of God’s truth through music has been a great blessing to lift our hearts to praise the Lord in this unusual season. As we seek to stand firm on the truth of God, His strength, wisdom, and goodness, we agree with Peterson’s lyric: “Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? It is.” 

Have you considered how reviewing some key songs might be a blessing for you and your family? Have you spent time thoughtfully weighing the excellent lyrics of songs old and new? (Some might also be beautiful instrumentals that lift your heart.) Have you included these in your personal quiet times? Your family times? Have you put on some praise while you pray or while you work? 

Kathleen and I have had many favorites come to mind. A small sampling includes: 

· When God Ran (Phillips Craig and Dean) - A key line: “Almighty God, the Great I AM – the only time I ever saw Him run, was when He ran to me.” 

· You Are My All in All (Lamb of God) - A key line: “You are the treasure that I seek.” 

· The Blessing (The UK Blessing) - A key Line: “May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” 

· O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer (Sovereign Grace Music) - A key line: “Strong defender of my weary heart.” 

A suggested exercise: 

Spend a few quiet moments letting the Spirit take you back, reminding your heart of a piece of music and/or lyric(s) through which He has blessed your heart. Jot down some of these expressions (even if they are ‘partial’) in your journal or note pages in your Bible. Spend another few minutes humming or singing, letting your heart be reminded of the truths of God’s faithfulness and His blessings. (Ideas: Check iTunes or YouTube, and if you are a musician—even an amateur—go get out your guitar or sit at your piano to bring the Lord an offering of praise.) 

A prayer starter: 

Lord, thank you for the gift of praise, and for the incredible treasure of music and lyrics we enjoy. As your people “put on a garment of praise” lift our fears, our concerns, our weariness. Our hope is in you alone. Amen.  

Quote: “You are the treasure that I seek, You are my all in all.” Natalie Grant 

Question: Have you considered praising God with songs of praise during this time of uncertainty? 

Rob Magwood 

CEO, SEND International of Canada