No Fear of Rejection

The LORD has taken away His judgments against you, He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You will fear disaster no more. In that day it will be said to Jerusalem: "Do not be afraid, O Zion; Do not let your hands fall limp. The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. I will gather those who grieve about the appointed feasts—they came from you, O Zion; the reproach of exile is a burden on them. Behold, I am going to deal at that time with all your oppressors, I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will turn their shame into praise and renown in all the earth…." Zephaniah 3:15-19  

God rejected the Israelites…and then draws them close again. Again and again. Here in Zephaniah He again promises to take away the judgments and enemies. This promise could be seen as one to the Israelites, God’s chosen people, and to the Christians as well. It could be a spiritual promise—God dealing with spiritual oppression—saving, encouraging, and ending the distress of those who believe in Him. It should be very encouraging to read that “He will rejoice, or exult, over you with joy.” God will rejoice over us…how wonderful is that?! Do you feel like God is rejecting you or rejoicing over you? The choice is ours…as we rejoice over Him…or reject Him. How have you treated Jesus today?

Training Tip – Sing “This Little Light of Mine” with your family. Then talk about how showing your “light” –your love of the Lord—should be done with no fear, but with respect for the Lord. We need to speak out, sing out, for Jesus, because we love Him—because we love God and know that He loves us. Jesus explained to His disciples…For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26. Don’t be ashamed of Jesus, or of your relationship to Him. Have no fear, no shame, in expressing that love to Him and about Him to others. 

Lord God, help us to have no fear of disaster or of expressing our love and respect for You. May we boldly share You with others.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.