Savoring the Lord’s Presence

Jan 22
3 min read

The Lord your God is with you; the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:1, NIV

Have you ever had a word or phrase seem to follow you wherever you went? This past week the word, “delight,” kept crossing my path. The Merriam Webster Dictionary describes delight as a high degree of gratification, pleasure, or joy.

If you were to ask me what I’ve taken delight in so far this week, I might begin with teaching my third-grade Sunday School class, snapping pictures of the tall pines coated with new fallen snow after Saturday’s storm, or chatting with my sister.

It wasn’t until later, when I got back into my readings, that I was reminded that you and I are not the only ones who take pleasure in others, and enjoy certain things.

Did you know the Lord’s immense love for you overflows with joy when you and I wholeheartedly obey him and seek his Presence?

Our verse today is taken from God’s prophet, Zephaniah, who wrote, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

Out of all the people out there, you may wonder how our Mighty Warrior, who rescues us from the depths of our despair, rejoices over ordinary people like you and me.

My friend, as his beloved child, the Lord rejoices when He takes first place in your life! In all our lives.

His tenderness, and admiration as you submit, and guard your heart to walk solely with him to share the Gospel through your actions, makes him want to burst into song!

You and I have the luxury of entering our Redeemer’s Presence. His greatest desire is for us to have a deep connection with him.

You and I were made in his image and likeness, and are called to take on his character by seeking his face first, and praising him in worship and song.

Psalm 1 tells us, "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of the mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That tree is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers." (Psalm 1-3).

Deeply rooted in him, let’s pray.

Loving God,

I praise you and thank you for the gift of your loving Presence in my life. As I savor our times together, and delight in your Presence, my greatest desire is to grow in your love.

For you alone are faithful. You alone are the Most High. You alone are righteous, and strengthen me as I trust and surrender my circumstances to you. Thank you for guiding my words and actions, so they align with your perfect will, Father. I praise you and thank you for your unfailing love, grace, and guidance over my life.

Amen.

My dear friend, thank you for being here. In the days ahead may you and I rejoice in the Lord’s Presence, lean on his power, and find comfort knowing He and He alone directs our steps, and calms our fears.

Until next time…

May the Spirit of God lead you,

the Word of God sustain you,

and the Promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.

Have a blessed and beautiful day!

Sending prayers and blessings.

It is my honor and privilege to pray and celebrate with you. Please email your prayer requests and praises to sue@faithfirstwomen.com

✏️This Week’s Reflection Questions

How does God’s rejoicing and singing over His people influence your perception of His love for you?
In what ways can our Mighty Warrior who saves, be with you in your current struggle?
Create a prayer of praise as you delight in the Lord’s goodness.

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