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"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." (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)
I love the different versions of the bible that we have at our fingertips. I know God knew we would need many words of wisdom to help us study and understand his word in these times as we head toward his second coming. Now, especially in the hard times that Christians must endure, it is vital. I read a verse today in three versions and found the wording different, but the message was still the same. My soul was filled with the hope only God can give.
As I read three versions from my three bibles. All three addressed God the same. He was called, The LORD your God in all three versions. As the verse continued, the words tumbled out to me like a choice desert. Words like he delights in me. He will rejoice and sing over me. The words comforted my soul. He will quiet you and my favorite in the NLT version, who delivered a little different thought. It says, "with his love he will calm all your fears." As a more mature Christian, I can analyze and compare these three interpretations, but I recall a time in my life when I just had to trust that God was with me and was in my midst. God, delighted and found gladness in me, calmed me and quieted me with his love. It was a time that darkness engulfed me and, yes, fear convinced me I could not withstand this tough time. My grandma, who I loved so much, died at 65 years of age. It was 1968, and I was twenty years old, but I felt like a frail child at the thought of not having her with me. After that late night call of pure pain, I lay down to sleep but could find no rest for my soul. I read the ‘Holy Bible’ the only way I knew how. I took it in my arms and held it to my chest almost, as to absorb what was written between the tattered cover. As I know now, it was the comforter that held my broken heart. The LORD my God who was in my midst quieting me with his love. I received love, mercy, and grace instead of punishment. My eyes closed at the thought of such a wonderful Father and God.
I have read that wonderful book for over fifty years, always listening for Words to come alive as the Holy Spirit delivers the message from God. I have discovered that whether the trial is small or large or so heavy that all I can do is cling to the God-breathed Words from the Father. Maybe I will sleep with it on my chest once again and listen for the loud singing of our God.
Prayer: God, I long to hear loud singing as I enter the gates please help me to hold close to my heart your very presence. Amen
Jeanie Nihiser
Volunteer and Prayer Warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
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