Zephaniah

February 3rd – Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:17

What I love most about this verse in Zephaniah is that it reveals a God not stoic, rigid, and unfeeling, but one who laughs, delights, and rejoices over us with boundless joy. Too many times we think of God in heaven looking down on us with scorn and anger. But instead when He sees us, His flawed and imperfect yet beloved creation, He finds happiness. It’s a divine mystery that astounds the human heart and humbles the soul. How, in His infinite love and mercy, God looks upon us with affection. And He celebrates our existence with jubilant songs of praise. The fact that the Lord takes delight in us, sinful as we are, is a testament to the incomprehensible nature of His grace and mercy. For in our Father’s eyes, we are not defined by our mistakes but by His amazing love that seeks to redeem and restore us. So may we bask in the beauty of His unending delight. And find comfort in the knowledge that we are cherished beyond measure by the One who formed us in His image.

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October 15th – Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:17

God’s Promise – “I will sing over you with loud shouts of joy!”

We are often our own worst critics. Instead of seeing ourselves as marvelous works created by the hand that created all things, we focus on our flaws and imperfections. But that’s not how God sees us. Our Heavenly Father created every inch of us head to toe. And He loves us just the way we are. No matter if we are short or tall, skinny or fat, blonde or brunette, we are precious to God. So precious in fact that He sings great songs of love over us. Too many times we fall prey to the lies of the enemy who tells us that we are unlovable, unusable, and unworthy. But that’s far from the truth. Just ask God. For He looks at us through the eyes of a loving, forgiving Father and sees nothing less than a most wonderful part of His perfect creation! So remember to whom you belong, and who calls you His. The One whose heart shouts with joy just at the mere thought of you!

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January 17th – Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:17

We all have fears. Some rational, others not. And all have felt the grip of panic that comes with anxiety. The one that feels like a storm raging inside. A violence which causes our thoughts to swirl madly, our hearts to beat wildly, and our chests to tighten beyond breathing. But as with any storm, there is an eye. That place of stillness. A calmness which always appears in the middle of even the strongest hurricane. God is that eye of the storm. A victorious Savior, He calms the seas and quiets our storms with His love.

When we’re filled with fear and anxiety, unable to shut off our thoughts, we crave God’s quietness. To be able to just let it all go and rest in His perfect peace. Peace stemmed from the deep, unconditional love He has for each of us, His precious children. His love for us is so great, our Father in heaven rejoices with great shouts of joy, and songs of everlasting devotion!

And because of His gift of the Holy Spirit, He now lives inside each of us forever. Never again do we have to face the storms of life alone, nor give in to fear and anxiety. For when we stand in the eye of the storm, there we will find the blue skies and sunshine of God’s perfect peace. All we have to do is be still, and focus on His quietness, promises and love.

The next time you find yourself struggling with your thoughts and spiraling out of control with fear, go to God in prayer immediately. Ask Him to calm your spirit and fill your heart with His peace. Receive His gladness. Let His quietness push away the storm clouds of anxiety. And let God’s love shine upon you like the rays of the summer sun appearing after the rain.

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April 5th – Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:17

God is not merely our Judge and Savior. Instead, He is also our loving Father in heaven. Our Father who cares about every aspect of our lives, both great and small, and who wants to be in the midst, and actively involved. For God promises to protect and fight for His children against all enemies. He wants to encourage and lift us up. In times of trials, His love brings peace to our troubled soul. And most incredible of all, the Lord rejoices over us with shouts of joy! Just think of that! The Creator of the universe and everything in it, finds happiness in us! How can that not in turn, fill our hearts with joy as well!

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November 13th – Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:17

How amazing is it that Almighty God, Maker all things, created each one of us! And even more amazing, it wasn’t because God is in need of anything or anyone, but instead He created us because He wants us. God gave everything to call us His own. And when we His children receive His free gift of salvation, He not only rejoices with shouts of joy, but promises to brings peace to our hearts and shelter us under His mighty wings. Thanks be to God for His great and everlasting love!

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