The church the kids and I have been going to on Sunday nights recently lead this song for the first time. “Garments”. Somehow, earlier that day, I felt we would be singing it that night. So when it started, my soul lept a bit.
The melody used to annoy me. I don’t know why. But since Corey Asbury’s Reckless Love album was released, the more I would listen to it for its content and not just the melody, Garments has slowly become one of my favorites (next to Your Love is Strong, Born Again, Reckless Love and Endless Alleluia).
Let’s remind ourselves that He has already laid out our outfits each morning before we rise. Figuratively, but I picture a caring and intentional dad setting out his 1st grader’s clothes for the next day.
This song speaks to me that our Father in heaven does the same – but what He prepares for us to wear with pride are garments not of cotton, but praise. Joy. Mercy. Let’s see them and put them on: divine dreams, Christ-centered identity, light so we may shine in dark places. Victory in adversity, confidence amidst criticism. Belonging and acceptance as a crucial part of the family, resurrection-kind-of-power, peace, restoration, beauty, freedom from shame and the greatest garment of all, love.
That’s a lot of garments. But it’s winter. We’re used to it, right? When I walked in my door today from work, I chose to take my Nike jacket, gray scarf and tennies off. Then I put ON music and wrapped myself in the biggest, softest, newest blanket in the home.
Have you ever thought of this… that it is a spiritual right and privilege to be able to choose which virtues we put on and take off throughout the day. Let’s choose to wear only that which He has laid out for us.
People will notice – heaven has remarkable style.
Beautifully spoken Chelan. You put on beauty and freedom like no other. Love you dear friend