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     Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 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. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 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. 3:14-17 ESV

     Dear Lord Jesus, as with all the promises God has made, you are his “Yes” to these as well—the one who perfectly fulfills this amazing passage, exploding with hope and encouragement.

     Indeed, we have everlasting motivation to sing, shout, rejoice and exult with all of our hearts, because on the cross you took the judgment we deserve. Your cross is our Judgment Day, Jesus. Hallelujah! You’ve already exhausted God’s righteous anger that stood against us. Never again will we fear evil, because you, our true King, have come near and have accomplished everything necessary for our salvation. We shout with joy because of what you’ve done for us!

     Our hands will not grow weak because you make our hearts strong by this astonishing gospel. Jesus, only you are mighty to save, from beginning to end. You completely save forever everyone who comes to God through you, for you’re always advocating and praying for us (Heb. 7:25). O, the peace this gives us.

     As you think about us and pray for us, you do so with great gladness. You’re not ashamed of us. You’ll never get disgusted with us. You’ll never regret making us your bride. You love us with an everlasting, unwavering love. Who are we to enjoy such a standing in grace; such an anchoring in hope; such a festive place in your heart?  

     Jesus, continue to quiet us by your love—mute the accusations of Satan; calm the raging seas of doubt and temptation; bring a holy hush to our restlessness so we can hear you exulting over us with loud singing. How can this possibly be? How can you love people like us, with such passion and delight? Lord we believe, rescue us from our unbelief. So very Amen, we pray, in your merciful and mighty name.

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