The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Singing is one of my favorite things to do. Has been since I was a child, when I used to pretend I was a choir director. This was in no way prophetic. I can carry what resembles a tune, but no one is buying tickets to hear me sing.
I’ve be been on worship teams off and on since my teen years, and even lead worship at different times. For me, this is always a battleground. Worship is where the enemy whispers or screams that I’m not good enough, and tries to tear me down. Full disclosure, some days he wins and in my weakness I put my guitar down and close my mouth. But mostly, when I feel torn down, I set my chin, call upon Heaven for protection and go in, both hands raised (unless I’m playing guitar, because that doesn’t work).
Perhaps there are areas of life the Lord has called you to that you feel inadequate. I remember vividly when I first read this scripture. I was in knots about leading worship at Bible study. Then I came across this passage. And it stopped me in my tracks. In context, Zephaniah has given a prophecy about impending judgement. But even in that warning, God has sent a reassurance. Yes, his people have made some big mistakes but there will be restoration. and not just a grudging ‘oh okay then, I forgive you.’ Oh no. This is the God of love, people. He’s going to REJOICE in SINGING over his chosen ones.
He doesn’t just mean the Israelites. This applies to us today. As Christ followers we are his children. Even when we mess up, like the Israelites did, there’s a pathway back and there we find the Lord singing in delight over us. I hope this encourages you today.
Perhaps in the comments, share one of your favorite worship songs, be in contemporary or a centuries old hymn.
I’m a military wife, mom to two teenage girls, Young Lifer, worship leader, baker and poor but ardent skier. I bleed green and gold (go Pack) and love Jesus. I’ve written a Bible study for military wives and I’m working hard on a contemporary romance series.
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Beautiful reminder! Thanks for the word. My all time favorite song period is O Holy Night. When parts come where the lyrics go “Fall on your knees,” it just about brings me to mine every time. So year round, my go to O Holy Night. But another favorite of mine echoes the same going to my knees message is Echo Holy by Red Rocks Worship . . . a million angels fall face down on to the floor all to echo Holy is the Lord.
Ooh I don’t know that Red Rocks song – I’ll check it out. Be Enthroned springs to mind – “be enthroned upon the praises of a thousand generations…” makes me about burst with worship.
Love this!!!! AND love it when I have had the privilege of hearing you lead worship!!!! The enemy will stop at nothing to keep you quiet.
Aren’t we glad the LORD has already won the fight? The enemy can jog on.
Such a beautiful reminder. I also love singing and I often forget to sing or turn on worship songs when I am discouraged, though it always lifts me up so much when I do remember! My favorite songs change frequently, but most recently Goodness of God has been running through my head on a daily basis.
Oh girl, that’s a GREAT choice. Thanks for stopping by.
Gosh, picking only one is tough so I’m going to pick two—Amazing Grace and Who You Say I Am.
I am chosen, not forsaken… Oh yes, get your worship on! Thanks for stopping by, Kels.