On that day
they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:16-17
There is something special, holy even, in the love of a mother to her child. A connection is made in those first few moments of life that creates an inseparable bond. It is this bond that creates this fierce Mama Bear love, willing to move Heaven and earth for a child, yet also a tenderness that quiets a child’s shuttering sobs with a tight hug, gentle song, or plate of warm chocolate chip cookies.
As finite beings we reflect the infinite qualities of our great God. This fierce yet gentle love of a mother has its origins in the heart of God.
God is our Mighty Warrior; always with us. Throughout Scripture God has fought for His people (Ex. 14:14, 2 Chron. 20:15, Ephesians 6:12). The ultimate example, being Christ on the cross. God was boldly waging war against sin, death and evil. His love was fierce enough to sacrifice Himself!
Yet, He also quiets us with His love. God holds us in the palm of His hand, close to His heart (Prov. 30:4, Is. 41:13, Is. 40:11, Ps. 34:18). He calls us to be still before Him and trust His goodness(Prov. 3:5-6, Ps. 46:10). He is close enough for us to hear His gentle whisper if we will but listen (1 Kings 19: 11-12, Is. 30:21, Is. 43:2).
Furthermore, God also sings over us. Steep in that goodness for a moment. The same God who sung the stars into being sings over us now. Why does a mother sing to her child? Because it brings comfort, expresses joy, and communicates the qualities she sees in her child, and the pleasure that brings to her heart. God does the same with us, His dearly loved children (Eph. 5:1). He brings us His peace (Is. 26:3, Phil. 4:6, John 14:27), tells us of His joy and pleasure in us (Gen. 1:31 Ps. 147:11), and reminds us we are His special treasures and of the personal gifting and attributes He sees in us (Eph. 2:10, 1 Pet. 2:9-10, 1 Cor. 12:1-11).
Today, take a moment to be still before God. Imagine what He might sing over you right now. What words would He use to describe His love, joy, pleasure, comfort, and strength in your life? Now take a moment and sing a song back to God thanking Him for all He sees and the love He lavishly pours out over you.
By Sheila Rennau
