Q is for Quieted
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zeph. 3:17
I’m reading The Poisenwood Bible and Nathan Price, a missionary to Africa, sees God as a God of judgment and punishment. Flipping to the end of the Old Testament you will find a little minor prophet book Zephaniah, which shows that side of God, a righteous God who judges and punishes sin. Wouldn’t wanted to have been Zephaniah giving that message!
I am so glad Zephaniah doesn’t end there. Like a mother gathers her sobbing child into her arms and soothes her, singing softly to her -so God does. And that’s where Zephaniah 3:17 comes in – God is quieting a repentant nation with his love.
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm 103:11-13
Thank you God for being a fair, just God who isn’t out to hurt me or make my life miserable. Thank you for your forgiveness and mercy when I sin. Thank you for not holding my mistakes over me in anger, but drawing me into your arms and quieting me. You are a good, good Father.
I hope you’ll post a review of The Poisonwood Bible. I’ve heard interesting things about it. This may be my favorite word. I never would have thought it, but it’s absolutely true. I’m going to focus on that quality.
Yes, I plan to review Poisonwood Bible when I finish – hopefully next week. I was thinking of you while I was reading it and wondering if you had read it.
My sister read it in her pre-Jesus days. She filled me in on the basic plot line. Can’t wait to hear your take!
I just finished – hope to review it next week. Lots of thoughts rumbling though my head about the book.