Just the other day my wife started a conversation with someone by simply asking how they were doing. The reply, “it’s been a bad year”, has become something of a refrain across many outlets and in many circles. Some have lost lots of money in the markets, some have lost jobs, some have lost loved ones and others have suffered in many other ways. And from a certain viewpoint it truly has been a very “bad year”.
Then we find the word of the Lord, in Zephaniah 3 ringing out the clarion call of God’s grace and love. Verse 14 begins with a resounding “Shout for joy…” and we are instantly caught up into a whirlwind of praise and celebration that, for someone who has had only minor struggles this year compared to others I know, catches us off our guard and perhaps a little bit unprepared to enter into the celebration. Perhaps we can catch ourselves thinking…”really, you want me to rejoice and exalt with all my heart?” “You really want me to have no fear and remain strong with little hope that things are going to improve soon?”
And then, much to our relief, after God gently coaxes us away from our questions and doubts, we are able to see that we truly can celebrate with Him, no, actually, because of Him. For in that moment of recognition, in that ever-so-fleeting flash where eyes actually look away from ourselves and catch a glimpse of His radiant glow, then we can see that He is The Victorious Warrior. He will gather us up and restore us to who we are meant to be. He has driven our enemies from the field of battle and He “dances over us with joy.”
My God may even want to dance with me. Who am I to refuse Him?
Ben said...
1This is a great reminder to celebrate the salvation that has been won for us, despite setbacks and sufferings we experience. Thanks Dave.
12/8/09 12:11 PM | Comment Link