“The LORD your God is among you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will greatly delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Lord Jesus, I start today in the posture of adult weariness, childlike curiosity, and earnest longing. If you are actually addressing me in this passage—if you’re not looking over my shoulder at someone else, but are seeking to make eye contact with the eyes of my heart… then I’ll get still, sit here, and be as receptive as your Spirit will make me.
I know you’re here. I absolutely believe you were raised from the dead, after dying for me on the cross. I don’t doubt that. But how can it be that, right now, right here, in this very moment… you greatly delight in me?
Jesus, promise me that’s not poetry, hyperbole, or just a metaphor. In my unbelief, I’m tempted to say, “Do you really know me, Jesus? Are you sure you’re addressing me?” But of course, you do. Only you really know me, or any of us. And only you love like this, Jesus. People can’t touch the depths of this promise and longing.
Our sweetest, healthiest moments of intimacy and connection with loved ones have just been a hint and taste of how much you love us, Jesus, and how you desire to be our greatest delight, deepest satisfaction, and most compelling treasure. And our hardest relationships, Jesus… you know all about them, help us see how those serve to open, or reopen us again, to the wonders of your love. No spouse, no children, no friends, absolutely nobody can take your place, Jesus.
In the coming hours and days, quiet us with your love, Jesus. Turn down the noise, the unbelief, and our people-pain, as you turn up the volume of your singing and rejoicing over us. So Very Amen.