The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
(Zephaniah 3:17)
Look with me for just a moment at the rich reminders that this one verse in Zephaniah contains about our Great God and King.
1. The Lord your God in your midst. God is not a God who is far off. He is not a God who created the world and is now off to bigger and better things. I wouldn’t blame Him if He were. This line reminds us that God here with us and among us in Spirit even now. God’s presence should be a comforting thought. He has not left us or abandoned us. The God who governs the universe, does so while continuing to know and care about every facet of our lives.
2. The Mighty One, will save. God is not only fully present with us, He is also powerful, mighty and strong. He is the one force in all of creation that nothing can overcome or conquer. He will always reign supreme. Notice that the fact of His power in this verse has to do with His ability to save. When we are saved by God Himself, there is nothing that will take us out of His Hands. We are and will be – His.
3. He will rejoice over you with gladness. Our God actually takes great enjoyment in us. He takes joy in seeing us grow and develop just like a parent or grandparent enjoys the exploits and accomplishments of their children and grandchildren. He is pleased when we live lives that reflect His Glory and show our hearts to reflect His Love not only back to Him but also to those who need to know the Love of God in our own midst.
4. He will quiet you with His love. God’s Love is. again, like the love of a parent for a child. Picture a small child held in the arms of a parent, completely comfortable and relaxed. The child in the arm’s of a parent is not worried or anxious about anything. The child senses the love of the parent and feels the warmth of security, peace and contentment. This verse reminds us that we may experience the same satisfying feelings with our Heavenly Father.
5. He will rejoice over you with singing. Can you imagine that? God singing over His People. Think about it for a minute. God’s Voice has to be the most beautiful, awesome and melodic voice in the universe. And His Song is one of great joy! Imagine the words of His Song as He rejoices in Great Love for His People. His Voice will echo throughout the stars And we will be His People. Can you beat that? What majesty, what splendor and a wonderful sound that will be to our ears!
God’s Best,
Dar
Dar's Encouraging Word 