Zephaniah: I Hear Him Singing

Zephaniah 3:17Amplified Bible (AMP)


17 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]; He will exult over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:19-20Amplified Bible (AMP)


19 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.

20 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.


Like most women, my self-esteem was skewed. As a teen and young woman, I saw all of my faults and few of my strengths. What broke this unhealthy assessment of myself was my Abba singing over me.

While taking a nap one Sunday afternoon almost 15 years ago, I awoke to hear the most beautiful singing and experience a love so intense that I didn't want to breath or move. I didn't want this holy experience to stop. In those brief moments, I realized that I loved myself and the woman I had become with Jesus. I marveled how one supernatural encounter with Abba had changed a lifetime of thinking.

He poured out His love on me just because...not that I had done anything to deserve it. He loved me because He made me to be an object of His affection, and my reason for life was to love Him with my worship.

Because of various life experiences, I had been blinded to the uniqueness that made me, me. God lifted the veil of deception causing me to see fully that who I am is beautiful with the Lord. No other human being has ever been or will be like me.

This truth has been tested by fire since that wonderful experience, but I stand firm.  No matter what, God's opinion of me trumps what man thinks every time!  You can know this love and acceptance too.  His love stirs the desire to live in a way that is pleasing to Him, and if you mess up (I have), He immediately picks you up, washes the soul, soothes and empowers afresh!

In my profession, I am able to speak into many young people's lives. My hope is that these ones will see themselves as God sees them and not allow other people's opinions negatively affect the way they view themselves.

Only by the power of the Holy Spirit are we able to maintain a healthy, balanced opinion of ourselves being able to see our weaknesses and remembering what God has promised. With Him, our weaknesses make His perfect strength and power evident. With Him, our lives are beautiful!!! 

It's grace that enables us to bear trouble, however that trouble manifests. Misunderstandings, faulty discernment born out of fear, and our own wrong reactions...ALL our weaknesses glorify His strength when we humbly admit what the Holy Spirit has revealed and allow Him to flow through us.  His strength and power can rest over our lives like a protective tent!  :)

2 Corinthians 12:9Amplified Bible (AMP)

9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!

Thank You, Lord, for revealing Your intentions towards us.  It's not about what we can do for You, it's all about being with You; living and moving from that intimate place stirs us to love ourselves and others just like You!!!  Make Your name a praise as any areas of captivity remaining are reversed.  In the wonderful name of Jesus, AMEN!!!