June 27

For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Saviour. He will give you victory. He will rejoice over you with great gladness; he will love you and not accuse you.” Is that a joyous choir I hear? No, it is the Lord himself exulting over you in happy song. “I have gathered your wounded and taken away your reproach”. Zephaniah 3:17 (TLB)

In a world filled with ongoing reports of bad news and sorrow, you will find that here in the comfort of these truths, just cause for great joy and celebration! For the Lord your God, your Saviour, Redeemer, and Friend, has arrived to live among you!

He desires to be with you daily, hourly, moment by moment. To heal you, fight for and defend you; honour and satisfy you with a long life. To take away your sin, sorrow, shame and reproach, removing it as far as the east is from the west, so that you, and He, will remember it no more. And on top of all of that, beauty,—He is singing happy songs over you—songs of deliverance and delight—even now!

Songs of joy and gladness, with shouts of victorious celebration, and symphonies of the purest love, to the one who has captured His heart. Oh, beloved of the Most High God, listen with all of your might. Incline your ear to heaven’s song, for cherished and chosen one, the God of all Creation is singing these marvellous melodies, specifically and lovingly, for you!

Prayer:

Dearest Father, my heart has been wounded so many times by the words of others, so much so that it is easier at times to not listen or to hear. I can be afraid of what is next, expecting to be shut down or put down, rather than to be encouraged or lifted up. Down has been the place I most often dwell.
 
And yet, Lord, here You come again, my glorious God, with words of life and hope. Words of acceptance and grace. And not just in words, Poppa, but in song too!
 
Oh, dearest precious and holy Lord, open my ears to hear the sound of Your voice; to hear the songs of joy and gladness You are singing over me even now. And then with a heart filled with thanksgiving, help me to accept, and to receive.
 
I love You, Lord. More than I could ever say. Thank You for Who You are. Thank You for Your kindness and mercy towards me in all You do.
 
In all the world, Poppa, there is no One as good and as kind as You!