Rejoice! Sing! Shout!
When anything good happens, aren’t you inclined to tell anyone who will listen? I know I am. If I get a good deal on a product, ate something tasty, or even have had an exciting experience I’m generally telling multiple people.
Joy is meant to be shared. The very definition of the Gospel, the message of Jesus rising from the dead, is GOOD NEWS. I think about Mary Magdalene after seeing Jesus outside of the tomb and Him telling her to tell His disciples about the things she saw and heard. The message that Jesus entrusted to her was the Gospel! That message was good news to all who heard it, and it continues to be the good news our souls rejoice over now.
Back in Zephaniah, God told the people to sing and shout! Why? Because Jesus was coming. I love that God wanted His people to rejoice, even in their waiting, because what they waited for was absolutely on its way. No, they couldn’t see it, but every child born was one child closer to the boy King that would soon change the whole world. Similarly, Jesus encouraged Mary to tell His disciples to rejoice despite the tears they shed all night, grieving their friend and Savior. The One who they loved was not dead, He is alive!
What a God we serve that He would give us hope in the midst of silent suffering and longing. If there’s anything you’re waiting for, know that the Words of God still apply. Sing! Shout! Rejoice through your waiting. Nothing is impossible for Him!
Zephaniah 3:14-17
Sing, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away your judgments,
He has cast out your enemy.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
You shall see disaster no more.
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Do not fear;
Zion, let not your hands be weak.
The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”