Isaiah 61:3 To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
What is a ‘spirit of heaviness’? It is certainly not a function of the Holy Spirit. It is a spirit that comes to oppress, and keep down. Webster’s dictionary says this… hard to bear; specifically : grievous, afflictive <a heavy sorrow> borne down by something oppressive : burdened slow or dull from loss of vitality or resiliency : sluggish <a tired heavy step> : lacking sparkle or vivacity : drab.
Lets look at oppressive – : unreasonably burdensome or severe : overwhelming or depressing to the spirit or senses…
If this spirit has actually been upon you, it has the ability to lessen your faith, have you noticed that? Something that would have been easy for you to believe God for suddenly seems to be an impossible task. This spirit causes us to want to isolate ourselves away from everyone, especially the saints of God, who may have the strength and faith we need, to help encourage us to praise our way through a thing. Let’s be honest… a spirit of heaviness manifests itself in many ways… depression being one of the main ones.
So then… what is our answer?
The promise made to us in the above scripture is that God will give to us the ability to clothe ourselves with an attitude of praise, the ability to be able to glorify the perfection of our Lord which takes away the dullness of life, the heavy sorrow and grief. It also us to find joy once again in our salvation.
Do you remember singing this song, it would have been somewhere in the 80′s…I believe.
“Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift up your voice to God… praise with the spirit and with understanding, oh magnify the Lord.”
It’s in His Word… we can put on the garment of praise… its a choice. Just like sadness, depression, sorrow, self pity… its all a choice. We become so self consumed when that spirit of heaviness has us enveloped. Things happen to us that try to steal our joy… the problem is, we begin to dwell on the negatives and that brings us even further down into a depressive state… but what does Phil 4: 4-9 tell us… (Amp version)
4Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!(A)
5Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is [a]coming soon]. (a forbearing spirit means what, to hold oneself back especially with EFFORT)
6Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
7And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
9Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.
© 2010, Think On These Things…. Prophetess Connie Sychowski The Habitation Ministries All rights reserved.