Scripture: “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
Examination: Zephaniah writes about the judgment to come on the nations that have rejected God, including those in Jerusalem who have chosen to do the same. The latter portion of the chapter speaks to the restoration of a remnant in Israel who have remained humble and meek, and still trusting in God.
Application: When my children were young, they often would wake up before me and come bouncing on to my bed in the morning to rouse me from my sleep with their hugs and kisses. As much as I wanted to continue dozing, I cherished those mornings when my little human alarm clocks came to wake me, and I would grab them both and cuddle with them a bit before rising. Now as a grandmother, my granddaughters often trot downstairs to say goodnight and drop a little kiss on my cheek with a quick “love you” before they retire for the evening. These special moments of love generate sweet memories in my heart that will last a lifetime.
God’s love is also shared with us every day, creating moments of joy when we realize how much He cares for us! In response, we “love on Him” through prayer, songs, service, and time!
Mornings with God
Starting my day with the Lord sets the tone for the rest of day. Psalm 5:3 shares how David, the man after God’s own heart, began his day. “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Morning time with God is a two-way road for love to travel. My heart speaks to God through prayer, and His speaks to me through His Word. When I pray for guidance or wisdom, I must be sure to “listen” to His response through His Word. Psalm 143:8 states, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” What a great way to start my day!
Midday with God
Imagine if your spouse or child only spoke to you once a day! It certainly wouldn’t seem like there was much love there. God shares His love with us continually and desires us to share our love with Him throughout the day as well. Psalm 55:17 records David’s frequency of prayer, knowing God desires to hear from him, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” When people love and care about each other, they make time to be together, even if they have busy lives. I am often busy during the day, but I am never alone as I do my errands or chores for God is with me. Deuteronomy 33:12 records how God stayed with His people, “… The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.” God loves me, spending time with me “all the day long”!
Evenings with God
After things have calmed down in the evening, my husband and I like to share our day’s activities and read a devotion before going to sleep. Those times together are so special, and they serve to fortify our united love. It is the same for the love we share with the Lord. Ending our day with God is a time to reflect on what He’s done for us through the day and thank Him for His care and blessings. Psalm 92:1-2 states, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,”. Remembering how much God loves me, and how much I love Him is a wonderful way to end my day!
Memory Verse: “Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” – Psalm 42:8
Day by day, and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure, gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly it's part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day the Lord Himself is near me, with a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me, He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,” this the pledge to me He made.
(from “Day by Day” by Lina Sandell)