I’ve always been one to make a list every January 1st about all the things I’m going to accomplish in the new year. I would then promptly lose the list, forget all of my aspirations, and go on with my life (thank you ADHD). Twelve months later, on December 31st, I’d then remember my lost goals and realize I’d somehow managed to complete a couple, halfway complete a few others, and completely demolish the hope of anything else.
This year I’m doing something new. Instead of writing a gigantic list of resolutions, I decided to look for a promise God has given me in His Word for today and my future, and reflect on how He has been faithful to keep it in my life.
As I was reading, I thought of my favorite verse:
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing.”
~ Zephaniah 3:17
As I was re-reading this, I took joy in the fact that not only has He saved me, but He also loves me. He rejoices over me and He is singing over me!
Digging a little deeper: What does “rejoice over” me even mean?
I understand this as an all-encompassing, never ending, exuberant jubilation.
This past week, my sweet six-year-old daughter exercised her reading skills with a Dr. Seuss book as I tucked her into bed. Every few moments she would look up at me with her dancing, vivacious eyes. She read with excitement and happiness as her Mama rejoiced over her. My heart overflowed with gladness in God for the gift he has given me in my bright, beautiful girl.
If I naturally overflow with joy over my daughter, how much more does our perfect Creator delight over everything He has made? Taking it one note higher, Zephaniah reminds us that He particularly rejoices over those He has redeemed and called His own.
Now there is a truth to hold close.
I am His and He is mine.
That is never going to stop.
What an incredible thought and reminder.
That’s a promise for the ages, not just one year!
Blessings,
Stephanie
