Reflections with Andy – Rest in Him – Zephaniah 3:14-17

Throughout the season of Advent, we’ll have a weekday reflection based on suggested scriptures from a great resource entitled The Common Rule. You can find a calendar of the daily readings here.

CS Lewis once said, “All that we call human history–money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery–[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” Today in the prophet, we read that God will renew us, or as I’ve read it in the ESV, He will quiet us in His love. We are looking for peace, we are looking for comfort, we are looking for joy, and hope. We will never find it in this world, we will only find it in Jesus. Today, rest in Him. Find His love.

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he’ll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God’s Word.

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Good morning! It’s always a delight to join you in these reflections, especially during the Advent season. Your sentiments about the winter chill and the longing for summer resonate with many, I’m sure. But as we navigate the cold, these reflections provide a warm centering in God’s Word.

Today’s reading from Zephaniah 3:14-17 is a beautiful passage that invites us to rejoice and find solace in the presence of the Lord. The imagery of God as a loving parent, calming and quieting us with His love, is both comforting and powerful.

The connection you made to a parent rocking and quieting a child resonates deeply. It’s a poignant reminder of the nurturing, soothing nature of God’s love. In the midst of life’s chaos and challenges, we can find renewal and peace in the arms of our heavenly Father.

The line you highlighted from Michael Card’s song, “He will quiet you with His love,” captures the essence of this passage. In a world filled with noise and distractions, the Lord offers a divine quietness—a calmness that goes beyond our understanding.

Brendan Manning’s question, “Did we really believe that He loved us?” is profound. The assurance of God’s love is foundational to our faith. It’s a love that quiets our fears, renews our spirits, and brings joy. Truly believing in this love transforms our perspective on life.

The analogy of a child resisting sleep, kicking against it despite being tired, draws a vivid picture. Sometimes, we resist surrendering to God’s love and renewal, yet His arms are always open, ready to bring us the peace we desperately need.

The call to turn our eyes upon Jesus and rest in His love is a timeless truth. Amid the busyness, anxieties, and struggles of life, finding solace in the presence of our Savior is the key to true renewal.

Thank you for this encouraging reflection, reminding us to seek renewal in the love of our heavenly Father. May the quietness of His love surround you today, bringing peace and joy to your heart. Looking forward to our continued reflections. Have a blessed day!

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