Powerful Punishment

I still remember the punishment I received from my parents growing up. I was always pretty willing to “test the limits” of what they would accept. They were always willing to show me right where the boundaries were. I remember getting grounded. I remember spankings (aka “whippins” or “whuppins”). I also remember times when the consequences of my behavior hurt my family. That was the worst punishment. I didn’t realize that what I was doing was bringing hurt on others who were innocent.

The Lord is about to bring severe punishment on His people in Zephaniah. He has had enough of their worship of other gods and their disrespect for Him. Zephaniah tells of impending doom, but in the middle of it there are some instructions for the faithful. Check this out…

7 Be silent before the Sovereign Lord,

    for the day of the Lord is near.

The Lord has prepared a sacrifice;

    he has consecrated those he has invited. (Zephaniah 1:7 NIV)

When I am in the midst of chaos, I would be wise to be silent before the Lord.

When I am in the midst of any storm, I would be wise to be silent before the Lord.

Even if I am the cause of the storm, I would be wise to be silent before the Lord.

He is the only one capable of rescuing me. He will steady me in the storm. He will comfort me in the chaos. He is strong when I’m silent before Him. He never fails when He sets out on a rescue mission. I trust Him with everything I know, have or will ever have. His invitation is always open.

Pressing On!

Dwayne