Zephaniah 3:14-15

A Song of Joy Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.

Growing up in a home with five of us siblings, all a year apart, was fun, busy and sometimes challenging for my parents. My mom kept us occupied with crafts and activities. My grammie let us lick the beaters when she was making a cake. And we could help put ingredients in the bowl when she made bread or cookies.

Most days were full of fun and bantering but sometimes an argument would ensue and maybe even a full out hair pulling. When we didn't listen to mom she would say "Just wait til your father gets home!"

We knew that meant we crossed the line into unacceptable behavior and our father was going to be not pleased with us. The waiting was full of dread until dad got home. While we were anxious as to what the punishment would be our anxiety was gone the minute he talked to us about the incident. Then he would give us a hug and we knew not matter how wrong we had been he forgave us and was happy to see we promised to do better.

Zephaniah he told the people because they turned from God to worship idols God would send punishment in the form of an army. But God forgave them and there was much rejoicing; the people came back to him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for showing up as the Mighty One who will save us. Thank you for taking delight in me, for rejoicing over me with gladness and singing. Amen.

- Tammy Arseneau