Martin Smith Explains Why We Need the "Garment of Praise"

Prolific songwriter, modern worship pioneer, and award-winning artist Martin Smith is back with his new song "Garment of Praise." Smith co-wrote the song with Brooke Ligertwood. You can listen to the song HERE.

Smith writes, "In Isaiah 61, it talks about another very special garment --the Garment of Praise. It says 'to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.' So where does 'one' get one of these coats?

"I'm pretty sure Prada and Louis Vuitton weren't trading in Isaiah's time so where on earth could you get such a thing? Well, the thing is you can't buy one, it's priceless, in fact it makes Prada look like sackcloth. (No offence to the brilliant Italian designers by the way!) It's not physical, you can't hold it because it's invisible, it's a gift from heaven.

"Why on earth would we wear such a garment if no one can see it? After all these years I've realized one thing. That I'm human, I'm happy and I'm broken. I'd like to think that what I portray in public is a mirror of my life in private but it's not always the case. I get scared, I feel insecure, I worry about finances, I doubt God, I feel anger, I feel loneliness, I get jealous and I hurt people along with a million other things.

So..That's why I need this cloak.It's the Garment of Salvation. It's the coat that helps me pray 'I lift my eyes to the mountains, for where does my help come from.' I need saving, everyday I need saving, everyday I need God, everyday I choose to clothe myself in HIS salvation.But... There's only one thing that God can't do or 'won't' do..."

Smith has penned many of the church's most loved songs while shaping the modern worship scene. The former frontman of the top-charting band Delirious? and multi-GMA Dove Award® winner has toured worldwide in his vast career, performing in arenas and stadiums to millions of people, including Glastonbury Festival's main stage. He has also toured with Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams and most recently opened for Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes on their "The Blessing" European tour. Smith has also appeared in Nashville for both the "Worship Together" conference and at Bridgestone Arena for "The Send" conference. 

 

Tags : Martin Smith Garment of Praise brooke ligertwood