With all your imperfections and flaws, you bring a smile to the Lord of the universe.
Zephaniah 3:17 gives us a snapshot of God’s nature and depth of his love for us.
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
God’s presence is near to us–God is with us. He does not abandon us but claims us as his own.
God’s power is available–He is mighty to save. He redeemed us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, demonstrating His great love for us.
God delights in us because of His love.
He finds joy and satisfaction in us, reaching out to us when we fail or need comfort.
God shows us His action of love through delighting in us. Like a dad watching his child performing in a little league game, he cheers us on. He delights in us with pride when we hit the ball far or make a great play. But when the team loses, this loving Father is the one who still takes us for ice cream. Why? Because he loves us anyway. He not only cheers for us when we win but believes in us when we lose. He shows us his grace even when we are disappointed with ourselves.
This loving action quiets us when we are troubled like a mom holding her distraught child in a comforting embrace. The child quiets down, able to rest in the arms of love. This is a beautiful picture of how God’s love can quiet us.
The last action of love described in this verse is that God rejoices over us with singing. Sometimes he rejoices over us with a quiet lullaby, and sometimes with a celebration of a joyful symphony and fireworks. He rejoices over us when we share His love and grace with others. When we worship Him wholeheartedly, God smiles.
Why is it so hard to believe the truth that God delights in you, quiets you with His love, and rejoices over you with singing?
Do you think you aren’t “good enough” for God to be pleased with you?
Don’t believe that lie.
Release your fears and surrender to the loving heavenly Father.
Let His love soak deep into your heart.
You are loved.
God delights in you.
