Read Zepheniah 3:14-20

Tuesday

Read Zepheniah 3:14-20

14 Sing and shout for joy, people of Israel!
   Rejoice with all your heart, Jerusalem!
15 The Lord has stopped your punishment;
   he has removed all your enemies.
The Lord, the king of Israel, is with you;
   there is no reason now to be afraid.
16 The time is coming when they will say to Jerusalem,
   “Do not be afraid, city of Zion!
   Do not let your hands hang limp!
17 The Lord your God is with you;
   his power gives you victory.
The Lord will take delight in you,
   and in his love he will give you new life.[a]
He will sing and be joyful over you,
18     as joyful as people at a festival.”
The Lord says,
“I have ended the threat of doom
   and taken away your disgrace.[b]
19 The time is coming!
I will punish your oppressors;
   I will rescue all the lame
   and bring the exiles home.
I will turn their shame to honor,
   and all the world will praise them.
20 The time is coming!
I will bring your scattered people home;
   I will make you famous throughout the world
   and make you prosperous once again.”
The Lord has spoken.

Think

As the people of Israel suffered - the prophets reminded them of God's hope and help to come.  God will always have the last word.

Pray

Lord help me to have hope even when all seems impossible.