Worship God with Joy Because He Is Near You

Worship God with Joy Because He Is Near You

December 10, 2013

Zephaniah, in the midst of sharing prophetic announcements to God’s people shares an intimate portrait of God. He gives us the picture of God which we may not be too familiar. God is a God of Joy. God is a God of Delight.

There is therefore reason to worship God.

We can sing, shout, and rejoice as the people of God.

“Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!” (Zephaniah 3:14, HCSB)

Why? Because God has eliminated the need for fear in my life. He has removed the punishment. He has turned back my enemies. He is near me and I don’t need to fear any harm.

“The Lord has removed your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is among you; you need no longer fear harm.” (Zephaniah 3:15, HCSB)

However, we have more reasons to worship God than just because of what He has done for me. We can worship God because of how He relates to me. God is a personal God. He is near me.

“Yahweh your God is among you…” (Zephaniah 3:17, HCSB)

Not only is He near me. He wants to relate to me. He wants to build a relationship with me. How does He want to relate to me? Does He want to punish me, or establish a set of rules for me to live by? No. He wants to spend time with me in worship. He want to reciprocate the joy which I share with Him.

“…He will rejoice over you with gladness…”” (Zephaniah 3:17, HCSB)

He wants to spend time quietly reassuring me with His love. He wants to take delight in me by shouting on the rooftops His joy He has in me. He is proud of me and He wants everyone to know it.

“…He will bring you quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy.”” (Zephaniah 3:17, HCSB)

Do I have a reason to worship God? Yes. Does God have a reason to enjoy my worship of Him? Most certainly.