I awoke yesterday morning to a message from a very dear, young friend, someone who is like family to me. She wrote, "I'm reading a devotional that asks for three of our favourite promises over our life. I don't think I know any." I loved her honesty and that she asked. I think she really did know quite a few, but she just needed someone to "prime the pump". So, I spent a little time sharing some of my favourite promises from scripture with her. Maybe it is because my mind has been focusing on God's promises that Zephaniah 3:17 took my attention. Do you see the five promises listed in that one verse alone?
1. The promise of His presence.
2. The promise of a Saviour.
3. The promise that He will delight in us.
4. The promise that He will calm all our fears.
5. The promise that He will rejoice over us in song.
Do you know that our Heavenly Father rejoices over us with joyful songs? Imagine God singing just for us! Has anyone ever sung over you? My son and his wife sing over their children as they put them to bed. My mom used to sing over me as a child to wake me every morning.
Years ago, I recall attending a musical concert. A variety of local artists were performing, some instrumental numbers and other participants were studying voice. I was a young child at the time, but I will never forget when one of the presenters walked up on the stage and began to describe the song they were about to sing. It was a favourite of mine. Just before beginning the song, the performer looked down at my sister and I and dedicated the song to us. I still remember the thrill as a young girl. It was being publicly stated that this song was specifically for us. That song belonged to us in that moment.
God acts similarly when He rejoices and sings over us. Songs of belonging. Songs of delight. Songs of joy. Scripture records many songs of praise to the Lord. Singing is such an expression of love and adoration. This is the only verse in all of the Bible that mentions our Heavenly Father singing, and His reason to break forth in song...us. God sings. Creation sings. Angels sing. God's people sing. Interestingly, we never read of Satan and his demons singing. Sin does that. Sin removes any desire in our heart to lift our voice in song.
Maybe you struggle with the thought of God finding anything to sing over you. Maybe your mind runs to all the reasons for His silence. Maybe it is a hard leap from your thoughts to your heart to imagine God delighting in you with gladness, calming you with His love and rejoicing over you with singing. Can I encourage you to read the verse again? This text does not say that God takes delight in what you do, plan, or say, but He simply rejoices in you and sings! As we delight in Him, He delights in us.
I wonder what song He is singing today? Is the melody catchy and rhythm upbeat? Would it invite some dancing? Does He hum a tune or has He written lyrics? Is it a complete original, or one we might even know? Zephaniah tells us it is joyful. As we listen for the sound of His voice today may our hearts be captivated by His love song. The Lord is singing over you and me! Just thinking of God singing over us makes me want to burst forth in song!
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