Leaping Joyful God

Happy Wednesday, Everyone. 😊 So last week we talked about the servanthood of Jesus. This week, God is taking us in a whole different direction – maybe. 😊 

What do you think of when you think of God? How does He look? How does He act? What is His demeanor like?

I think many times, when we think of God, we think of an older man with a gray beard and a kindly face. But there is also an air of judgment about Him. Does that about cover it?

 That is until we read this incredible passage from the prophet Zephaniah. First, we are told that God is inside us – that is the Holy Spirit who creates and sustains our faith. That’s very cool, when you take time to really think about it. I love the Holy Spirit – He moves me in ways I never thought possible and helps me to accomplish the mission for which I was created. He speaks to me and guides me through my life.

Then, God is described as a Warrior-Savior. We don’t often think of Jesus as a warrior. We know that He came and died and rose again to defeat the powers of darkness. But He was almost always soft-spoken and kind – not a warrior-type at all. Yet, what do we think it tooked to defeat Satan and his minions? Certainly not a quiet, unassuming Savior. And He fights for us today, too.

And this is where it gets really awesome. God’s delight in us is so great that it makes God leap for joy and shout with great gladness. Not just a little gladness – great gladness. How does that make you feel when you think of God leaping with joy and shouting with gladness because of you? It surely makes me smile. And it gives us a totally different picture of God, doesn’t it?

It’s not hard to imagine God soothing us with His Love. He does that a lot, at least in my life. And I am so grateful for that quiet, gentle voice that speaks to me when I need it most.

This last part is the one that I absolutely love. Imagine with me the God of the universe, who created everything, singing over you a song of praise. Doesn’t that just make you want to dance in the streets to the tune He is playing just for you? 

I love this picture of who God is – and what He does for us. How do you feel about this picture of our God? 

Yes, God is just and asks obedience of us. But He also celebrates us and loves us and sings over us. That is cause for great celebration. 😊