“In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. 17 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.””
Zephaniah 3:16-17 NKJV.
God in our midst,
Zephaniah, not a book I read that often, and yet . . . Here in the middle of all the warnings and judgement to and on the people Judah in Jerusalem, I find these verses. We find You, God, once again offering promises of love towards the people who would humble themselves and follow You. Judgement will come, as we too know from Jesus. There will be a final day of judgement (Matthew 25:32,33). But we are not afraid as we are no longer under judgement we are in Your grace. We will not be paralysed from fear or panic, we will be enfolded safely in Your love.
You shout for joy over us! You rejoice over us with singing. Sing or shout it matters not – You are rejoicing over us. Showing Your delight! Sometimes that is hard to believe because at times we are disappointed in ourselves or we run ourselves down. But that is not how You see us. You see us as the person Jesus died for, conquered death for, and is preparing a place for and who You choose to dwell with by Your Spirit.
Thank You, help us to remember how precious and loved we are. And that You are here with us in the midst of whatever we go through. And You are singing over us with delight.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of Joy,
For our family and friends and neighbours. Sing Your love into their lives.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Raise up worship leaders, bless them.
For the royal family. To know You through the generations.
For our Government. Draw men and women with good hearts and good lives to take up the call.
For Ukraine, to stay free and lead Russia to desire peace and withdraw from war.
For Gaza, empower talks towards next step and give unity to all those in talks for peace.
For all who write worship songs and sing the gospel and lift our spirits.
For teachers, tutors, carers, parents, mental health nurses who use music to teach, heal and help.
For music therapists and music teachers and choir leaders.
For a day to thank You, and ask that You would help us hear Your music through the day in our hearts.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 18th May 2024
Regi tells how he came to write the song before he sings it. One to listen to and have faith He is singing over me.
Around the throne of Heaven
A sea of the redeemed
Are bowing and proclaiming
The praises of the King
Yet His word has promised
There’s a song of love
God Himself has written for each of us
God is singing over me
My soul can hear the beauty of His melody
I feel the glory carried on the breeze
It lifts my spirit up
God is singing over me
When my heart is broken
Heavy with despair
I long to feel His presence
To know He really cares
Suddenly there’s something
Like a sweet perfume
Music from above me is in the room
God is singing over me
My soul can hear the beauty of His melody
I feel the glory carried on the breeze
It lifts my spirit up
God is singing over me
My God rejoices with a song of love
I’m overwhelmed that I’m the one He’s singing of
God is singing over me
My soul can hear the beauty of His melody
I feel the glory carried on the breeze
It lifts my spirit up
God is singing over me
It lifts my spirit up
God is singing over me
Lyrics: Regi Stone