Verse of the Day 9-19-22

Sing, Daughter Zion;
shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you;
never again will you fear any harm.
On that day
they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.
The LORD your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:14-17

God’s people have the greatest reason to rejoice because they have obtained spiritual salvation-their personal relationship with God. True, heartfelt joy is not natural; it is a spiritual response to God’s activity in our lives. We have joy because: (1) we are forgiven and no longer face punishment for our sins (v. 15); (2) our enemy has been defeated-we are set free from the power of Satan and sin (v. 15); (3) God is with us, giving friendship, grace and help throughout our lives (v. 15-17); and (4) we are the focus of God’s love and delight (v. 17). Everyone who accepts the gift of forgiveness and eternal life made available through God’s Son, Jesus, has every reason to rejoice. Our joy will reach its climax, or highest level, and be complete when God reveals his full glory and majesty on the earth at the end of time.

Today’s Bible Readings:

Isaiah 30:12-33:9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11 and Proverbs 23:22