Read Zephaniah 3:14-17
“Joy” is not a feeling invoked by the first two-and-a-half chapters of the book of Zephaniah. The prophet uses some pretty apocalyptic imagery to warn the nation of Israel about God’s impending judgment of their sin, evil and violence. Then, in the passage we read today, he offers a glimmer of the hope that lies on the other side of purification and repentance for blessing and restoration in God’s presence. The people are called to sing, to be glad and rejoice—and are told that God will rejoice with them in song!
I love the image of God singing along with us. Picturing Him onstage in our choir, or sitting across the aisle during service, hands raised in worship, reminds me that’s He’s with us and for us. He wants us to flourish.
Countless times, I’ve shown up to Sunday service with a heavy heart, a chip on my shoulder, or a problem bouncing around in my brain; it’s amazing how often God acknowledges my struggles, while pointing me back toward Him, through music. A bridge hits different on a certain day, or I find myself able to release some emotion while I listen (especially if Dance Eternal is performing—cue the waterworks!) And even when tears come or an uncomfortable reality reveals itself in my spirit, it still feels good to sing praise and thanks back to God.
Because “joy” doesn’t mean we’re worry-free; the kind of joy we experience walking with God transcends circumstance. It’s a grace, a call to sing along particularly when singing isn’t our initial instinct.
Recently, I heard someone speak about living “a whole life kind of worship.” What a cool posture: Intentionally living your everyday like it’s a song for God. The good, the bad, the “meh,” all of it. God is the ultimate artist. He’s penning every lyric we live and collaborating on the whole album of our existence, ready to help us find the right chord at any point and calling us to joy through Him throughout it all.
For Reflection:
- What is a particular expression of worship (a specific song, dance, a position of prayer, etc) that has consistently lifted your heart in Joy towards God? Spend time each day this week experiencing it!
by Rachel Shuster
