In Rick Warren’s devotional about a month or so ago, he challenged the reader to start the very first moments in the day with praise songs, adoring our Savior and Lord, Jesus. Being ADD, I have never been a big “praise guy.” I am challenged with focusing long enough to remember the words and, most times, being attentive to enjoy the spirit and message of the song. However, the challenge was thrown to me, and the Bible states that Pastor Rick is 100% correct. So, I have started my journey. Each morning, I start the day with a praise song(s) by asking Alexa to play “The Goodness of God, Way Maker, The Jireh Song, Gospel Songs by Allen Jackson, etc.” Man, have I been blessed!
This morning I woke up with a dear brother on my mind who is fighting through divorce proceedings involving children. A song came to my mind called “Surrounded…This Is How I Fight My Battles” by Michael W. Smith. The song focuses on a phrase from the King James Version of Isaiah 61:3, “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Heaviness means being overpowered and weighted down by troubles and anxieties from all directions. The person is surrounded and can’t break free. However, Isaiah says to put on the garment of praise surrounding this spirit of heaviness. Once the encouragement of praise envelops the heaviness of the cares of the world, praise triumphs.
Psalm 100:3&4 wonderfully describes what happens when we surround ourselves with the garment of praise. You “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Once we focus on the Lord God through praise, we enter His presence experiencing His “steadfast love” which “endures forever” enjoying “His faithfulness.” The problems that surround us are being surrounded by praise giving us lasting joy and steadfast love, trumping the spirit of heaviness.
The fore mentioned song, “Surrounded…This Is How I Fight My Battles” goes like this…
This is how I fight my battles…
This is how I fight my battles…
This is how I fight my battles…
It may look like I am surrounded but I am surrounded by you…
It may look like I am surrounded but I am surrounded by you…
It may look like I am surrounded but I am surrounded by you…
It may look you’re surrounded by worry, depression, anxieties, hate, maliciousness, bitterness, slander, debt, marital trouble, rebellious children, an irrepressible boss. It may look like you are surrounded, but you’re surrounded by Him. Put on the garment of praise and thanksgiving which empowers you with steadfast love and faithfulness of God.
This is how I fight my battles…
Barnabas Man 
A classic! Some say it’s overplayed, but “Waymaker” has been a longtime favorite of mine.
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Totally agree…Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness are names for different dimensions of Jesus.. They are praises to His Name. Sing it out loud right now Ezra and praise His name!
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