I am with you.
I am mighty to save you.
I take great delight in you.
I will quiet you with my love.
I will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
For Reflection:
Reading this verse recently, I had a mental picture of a young child, frightened by something, or hurt, crying and being comforted by a kind, loving parent. This Mom or Dad can see the bigger picture that the child just can’t see, knowing that things will be better soon, and they patiently hold the child as it cries.
We are often like that young child, hurt or frightened by trials in life. And Jesus is drawn to us in those moments. He loves to comfort us. Memorizing and meditating on this passage can be a way for us to become more aware of God’s comfort.
Try reading through this passage SLOWLY. Personalize it. At the end of each line, picture Jesus gazing at you saying those words to you.
"I am with you. I am mighty to save you. I take great delight in you. I will quiet you with my love. I will rejoice over you with singing."
Let us pray:
Dear God, help me to remember that you are always with me, always holding me, never leaving me. Give me ears to hear the song You are singing over me. Help me to rest in You as I hear you speak through these verses. Amen.
I wonder, when was the last time I thought about how God is drawn to us when we are hurting or scared.
Does this verse remind me of His deep love for me? Does it inspire hope?