Clothed in Joy, Crowned With Purpose - Encouragement for Today - June 23, 2026
Clothed in Joy, Crowned With Purpose
AARTI SEQUEIRA
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“I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness …” Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)
There was a period in my life when I felt totally and utterly lost. Where I had once been so sure of my purpose and calling, now I was adrift at sea.
As an immigrant, I had come to America with a head full of dreams and my family's expectations on my back. But nothing had worked out the way I'd hoped, and now I woke up every morning with a dreamless heart and an identity rooted in failure.
“What are You doing, God?” I’d whisper every morning upon waking. “Is today just going to be the same as yesterday?”
Sometimes it’s hard to see any point in getting up. But today's key verse reminds us that we have the greatest reason in the world to jump out of bed rejoicing:
“I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).
We get to march through life in power and beauty, our nakedness replaced by garments of salvation.
It reminds me of when someone sent my two daughters, then wee toddlers, their dream dresses: emblazoned with gold unicorns on the front; reflective, rose gold decorations trimming the hem; and best of all, tutu skirts that flared out as they spun around in the sunshine.
“Look, mama! We’re princesses!” they exclaimed as they made themselves dizzy, the decorations catching glints of sunlight. Oh, their precious little faces lit up with joy! They wanted to wear those dresses all the time — to go to school, church, the playground, or the grocery store; to wrestle with their dad; or even to sleep. When they wore those dresses, they felt special … like the beautiful princesses they always wanted to be.
Somewhere right now, there is a little girl who has never owned a dress that made her twirl. There’s a little boy who has never been told he is loved and chosen. That’s one reason my family sponsors a child through Compassion International. Not only to ensure her tangible needs are met but so that her local church can wrap her in the truth that she is seen, known, and loved by a God who has a robe of righteousness waiting for her too.
Beloved, our garments of salvation, the ones Jesus Himself wrapped around us through His sacrifice on the cross … oh, the beauty! If we could see them, I wager we’d all be spinning around in the sunshine, joyful tears streaming down our faces!
God has clothed you with such finery because He loves you but also because He has a purpose for you. Adjust your headdress, love, because you are a priest employed by Him to serve His flock (1 Peter 2:9). Fasten that earring, darling, because He has covenanted Himself to you, to bring you the gift of being known and protected. God has given us another morning of new mercies, and we must rise to the occasion!
Lord, thank You for blessing me with another day full of Your mercy and goodness. Give me the eyes to see the blessings You have set on my path today. Use me to serve others, pointing their eyes toward the One who has prepared robes of righteousness and joy for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
When we are confident in God’s love and purpose for us, it changes how we live our lives. That’s why Proverbs 31 Ministries is honored to partner with Compassion International, which exists to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name through the generosity of sponsors like you and me. It’s a beautiful opportunity to share with children all over the world that they are God’s daughters and sons.
When you sponsor a child, you ensure access to quality education, medical checkups, healthy food, clean water, and most importantly the good news of Jesus — all delivered through a church in their community. Compassion International is changing the lives of children. And that changes the lives of sponsors too.
Let’s do this together — the Proverbs 31 Ministries community changing the lives of children. Just click here to sponsor a child. When you become a sponsor, Compassion International will send you a copy of our Keep Holding On: 30 Promises From God You Can Cling to Right Now study guide as our thanks to you for investing in the life of a child.
ENGAGE
Connect with Aarti Sequeira on her website or on Instagram!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (NIV).
Where in your life do you feel “not enough” or like you’ve failed? How might God be inviting you to see yourself differently, as someone clothed in His righteousness?
What would it look like today to live like you’re already chosen and called, even before your circumstances change? Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Aarti Sequeira. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
