What Are You Wearing?
by Annalene Holtzhausen
The wearing of garments is often mentioned in the Bible. Many of these references point to an actual article of clothing, for example Joseph’s robe of many colours (Genesis 37:3), the wearing of sackcloth by Ahab (1 Kings 21:27) or the priestly garments referred to in Exodus 28. But the spiritual and symbolic significance of these garments bring a much deeper meaning that is still relevant today.
Psalm 109 is an example of David putting into words his thoughts towards his enemies. Even though his words may sound like judgements over his enemies, he is still turning to the Lord for deliverance, as read in verse 26: “Help me, Lord my God; save me according to Your unfailing love.”
Returning to our theme for today on the ‘clothing’ we are wearing, verse 18 highlights that we have a choice as to what we wear and allow to ‘seep into our inward life’. It starts off as the ‘garment’ we clothe ourselves with, which then starts to seep into our thought life, our words, and our actions. David uses the phrase ‘like oil into his bones’, which signifies how these thoughts become a part of who we are - of our identity. To give but a few examples, it could be a garment of anger, irritation, pride, criticism, jealousy, bitterness, slander, self-pity, guilt, or complaining. These garments (attitudes) actually prevent us from drawing nearer to God.
Many times a garment has been placed upon our shoulders by someone else’s sin towards us, or by trauma we’ve experienced. This can be a heavy load to carry, but Jesus is the One who longs to remove this yoke from your shoulders (Matthew 11:30) and restore your life. “Instead of your shame you shall have double honour, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs”(Isaiah 61:7, NKJV).
In Psalm 36:9 the Lord tells us that He is the fountain of life-giving water and that in His Light we see light (AMP). We can start by asking Him to show us which garment we are wearing, how it came upon us and where it has seeped into our inward life. In how many ways has it shaped the way I see the Lord, myself and who I am to those around me?
Jesus has an invitation for each one who acknowledges that they need help. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:28-29, HSCB).
Annalene Holtzhausen is on the Associate Team at Ellel, Africa. She is married to Renier, who introduced her to Ellel Ministries. She is a full-time mother to their two boys. Her passion is for the restoration of women’s hearts and for people to find their worth in the Lord.
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