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Daily Devotions

Zephaniah

Zephaniah 
Day 
Day 40

"The LORD your God in your midst"

Text: Zephaniah 3:17

THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD

The presence of the Lord was not always understood or appreciated by Israel in the old days. This prophetic vision describes a time when God’s people would appreciate the significance of His presence!

“In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
‘Do not fear;
Zion, let not your hands be weak.
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 3:16-17

1. Jerusalem/ Zion

a) Jerusalem feared its enemies.
b) The capital was finally destroyed by the Babylonians.

2. The future Zion

a) The city need not give in to fear anymore.
b) There would be no need to give in to feelings of weakness.

3. Five special reasons given why courage and confidence would replace fear and weakness

a) “The LORD your God in your midst”
i) The presence of the Lord would make all the difference.
ii) The Lord’s personal relationship with His people would guarantee safety!
b) “The Mighty One, will save”
i) The Lord God is aptly described as “The Mighty One”.
ii) He will save His people by the power of His might.
c) “He will rejoice over you with gladness”
i) He would no longer look at Jerusalem with anger or fury.
ii) Instead, He will rejoice over His people with gladness.
d) “He will quiet you with His love”
i) God will bring calmness (quietness).
ii) He will speak to His people with much love.
e) “He will rejoice over you with singing”

He would be happy with His people. He would rejoice over them. He would express His delight in His people with songs of rejoicing!