Quiet You with His Love

Zeph. 3:17

This verse has held significance in my life at some very pivotal times, the first was when my mother was suffering from dementia after already going through cancer. She was in such a weakened condition and not only did I not know what to do to help her and my father, I really felt very helpless. I had come to a place where I was sitting in the rain in a parking lot in my car crying. God reminded me of this verse and how it was raining in my life but He was still there, He quieted me with His love and sang over me and even delighted in me. I knew I was not left alone without resources for this time but rather I had the ultimate Source to carry me.

The next time I was reminded of this verse was when I was trying unsuccessfully to comfort a loved one. I could not do it, I had no words of my own, and again I found no resources to help them directly change their circumstances. God reminded me of this verse again because He was their source. As she cried out, only He could quiet her and remind her of His unwavering love and commitment to her. I reminded her of both His truthful character and Word, both of which she could depend on and lean into at this time.

The next time God brought this verse to my heart was when I was struggling with huge life decisions. Decisions that had to be made and would impact not only me but my entire family. I had spent the morning praying and reading His Word and had zealously been seeking Him. As I stopped all the talking and tried to listen to God, He again reminded me of Zeph. 3:17. I saw a picture of how I compared with my 15 month old granddaughter! She is so busy when she comes to my house, she runs all over wanting me to do stuff, wanting me to give her stuff and wanting all my attention too. When I scoop her up into my arms and whisper, “I love Anya,” she grows quiet and laughs out loud. She lays her head on my mouth and wants to hear it again. She kisses me and pats me and I delight in her. I often sing over her with joy.

Our Father wants us to also let Him scoop us up into His arms, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, it may be grief, broken relationships, lost jobs or an uncertain future. He wants to quiet us with His love, even when we are running around seeking what He can do for us, pleasure, or things we think will satisfy! He wants us to desire HIM.

He whispers our names because He knows us personally. Do we slow down long enough to let His love be enough? How do we respond when He does show us His love? Do we love Him back and stop everything to lay our head on his chest like the Apostle John did? How can we expect to hear Him say anything when we are so busy? Zephaniah had a hard task of explaining God’s character. He spoke of God’s discipline on those who “heeded no voice” or “accepted no instruction” or would not “trust in the Lord” or “draw near to her God.” They ran to people and things instead of the One who is mighty to save, the One who has unfailing love. Zephaniah compared what it looked like to run around haphazardly or to become a servant who could call on the Lord, find refuge, truth, joy, triumph, no more shame, no more fear, but rather restoration. Let Him quiet you with His love, love Him back, and listen to Him exalt over you with joy, and sing over you with His sweet song.