Read Zephaniah 3 – Rebellion and redemption – Jerusalem is in a pridefully broken place, “No one can tell it anything, it refuses all correction. It does not trust in the LORD or draw near to its God.” :2 That sounds very much like the times we are living in.
Things are bad, but look at verse :5! God’s people are not lumped in with the wicked, he is there with them, “But the LORD is still there in the city and he does no wrong. Day by day he hands down justice, and he does not fail. But the wicked know no shame.” :5 And the LORD tells his people to be patient, his justice is coming. (:8)
The remainder of chapter 3:9-20 is overflowing with blessed hope and promise of things to come. I keep reading through it… “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” :17
Will you meditate on verse :17 for a while? Will you imagine life with the LORD delighting in you and singing joyful songs… Do you ever think of God in this way? He is playful, adoring, and loves you in a way that will calm your fears. We live in a state of tension, yet God’s Word promises things will not always be this way. Look at the protection, “And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you.” Consider all the unseen oppressions we face every day. Traffic and political uncertainty, climate threats, inflation, family discord, taxes… and every other thing that oppresses your spirit will be removed under the LORD’S love and protection.
May Zephaniah set your heart on the LORD in a fresh/refreshed manner. He is the LORD who protects, saves, delights, sings, calms, gathers, restores, gives glory and a name of distinction to his beloved children.
Judy in the Sky 