"Be glad and rejoice with all your heart."
Zephaniah 3:14-20 (14)
 
Zephaniah speaks of judgment and condemnation. The words "on that day" resounds throughout the first two chapters and opening lines of the third, "That day" is a day to dread. It will be a day of wrath, distress, anguish, ruin, devastation, darkness and gloom (15)

I had a teacher who gave us advice about praying before a test. "If you've studied well, you may pray for justice and if you haven't studied very well, you must pray for . . .

"Be glad and rejoice with all your heart."
Zephaniah 3:14-20 (14)
 
Zephaniah speaks of judgment and condemnation. The words "on that day" resounds throughout the first two chapters and opening lines of the third, "That day" is a day to dread. It will be a day of wrath, distress, anguish, ruin, devastation, darkness and gloom (15)

I had a teacher who gave us advice about praying before a test. "If you've studied well, you may pray for justice and if you haven't studied very well, you must pray for mercy." This reminds me of verse 2 in Chapter 1.
 
In Chapter 3 the tone changes dramatically with promise of a faithful remnant. The door to hope is cracked open and the judgments are removed. We are told not to fear "that day" and we hear a new promise for the future. It will be a time when the LORD will gather His people and bring them home.
 
This brings joy in the present. The LORD is in our midst. It gives us hope for the future. Without fear, we look forward to the time when the LORD will gather us and bring us home.
 
Dear LORD, in high compassion
Bend down with Advent grace.
My heart, I pray, refashion
With mercy from Your face.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY- Work for justice and pray for mercy.