SHAME REVERSED

SCRIPTURE READING:

ZEPHANIAH 3v14-20
Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice, ......The King of Israel, even the Lord [Himself], is in the midst of you; ......The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction]  and  in His love He will be silent  and  make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; ......Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you; I will save the limping [ones] and gather the outcasts and will make them a praise and a name in every land of their shame.  At that time I will bring you in; yes, at that time I will gather you, for I will make you a name and a praise among all the nations of the earth when I reverse your captivity before your eyes, says the Lord. (AMP)

The prophet, Zephaniah, proclaims, herein, a message from The Lord for the remnant of the house of Israel. It's a message of hope and love. He opens by saying, sing, shout, rejoice... The promise has not been delivered yet, but go ahead, sing, shout, rejoice... Why? Because, He who is giving the promise never goes back on His Word (see 2Cor 1v20; Ps 138v2). So, He is trustworthy and therefore we PRAISE AND THANK HIM IN ADVANCE.

The Lord declares that, when He is in their midst, there will be freedom and no fear; He will restore the glory of Israel even in the very cities they were put to shame. Because of His love, He will make no mention of or even remember their past sin. He will rejoice and be satisfied over Israel because they have obeyed His word. His love will keep them calm; He will fight their battles; He will drive all their enemies away; He will restore their misfortunes abundantly for all the nations to see...

How great and calming it is to know that God does such great things for those that seek and obey His counsel. We are the remnant of His glory. We too can partake of all these promises, if we believe and obey. He is able to give us a name in the very places where we were shamed. The very same people who saw our shame will witness the Lord's hand upon mine and your life at work. God will give us a name and glory amongst the same people and the rest of the nations. He will REVERSE OUR SHAME INTO GLORY!!!

Let us return to God. Let us obey His word in all we do. Let us be found in His will at all times.

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for loving me, even when I was in a strange land. I now return to You for counsel and direction. May my life bring you great delight and joy. I surrender my will to You. I need Your will for it is better than my best. This I ask believing, thankfully, in Jesus' Name. AMEN