Have you ever been surprised to find that your good fortune is nearer than you thought? Israel had suffered heavy judgment for their unfaithfulness toward God. It came in the form of oppression from other countries, namely Assyria and Babylon.

Not only did the Lord God save them but He delivered them from fear.

This deliverance came in the form of glad rejoicing, loud singing and quietly being in his loving presence. Their judgment was removed.

The Mighty One can also remove my fear of judgment . Praise be to God for His unspeakable gift. I can trust Him to strengthen me by understanding the deep joy He has for His Son and for me.- Teresa #seeingGodasFather #affection #joy #wellbeing #daughterofZion

Zephaniah 3:14-20 (ESV)

14 Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall never again fear evil.
16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
let not your hands grow weak.
17 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.
18 I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival,
so that you will no longer suffer reproach.[m]
19 Behold, at that time I will deal
with all your oppressors.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
20 At that time I will bring you in,
at the time when I gather you together;
for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
before your eyes,” says the Lord.