April 7

“The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves.  He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17 (AMP) 
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Many of us may have had the unpleasant experience of someone shouting at us—most likely if they were upset for one reason or another—but shouts of joy!  Well, that is a whole different story!
 
Beloved one, imagine this—the Maker of Heaven and Earth---the Warrior God Who fights for you and saves—is in your midst, right now!  He has come to rejoice over you; to quiet you in His love; to make all that is wrong, completely right!
 
He sees your heart when no one else can.  He knows you inside and out, as no one ever will.  And all that He sees, brings Him such delight. So much so that in the wonder of who you are, He has to sing the songs of celebration and shout great shouts of joy! 
 
You are just how He pictured you would always be—pure, spotless, and shining bright!  No records of wrongs kept here—no long list of things you failed to get right! So, celebrate, cherished one!  Rejoice in who you are to Him, and Who He is to you. The song of your life brings joy to His heart; now let His songs of redeeming love bring joy to your heart too.
 
 
Prayer:
 
Jesus, You know how good I can be at keeping a record of wrongs—mine most of all, and those of others.  
 
I have been used to being shouted at a time or two, and even done some shouting of my own—but shouts of joy and celebration—well, that is completely new!
 
Rescue me from all the places where I cannot see truth—about myself and others.  Allow me, by grace, to hear the sounds of Your celebrations; to rest in the quiet of Your love; and to rejoice in who You created me to be, knowing that you are rejoicing too!
 
In Your Precious Name, I pray.