Troy noted this verse yesterday and the men talked about this verse last Thursday in their study. I here add a musing based on this verse.
Zephaniah 3:16-17, In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
This makes me think of a father helping a son learning to ride a bike.
The son for his fifth birthday has received a bright, shiny, fancy, new 20” bicycle.
Oh! How pretty! Oh exciting!! Yay!
And, now the anticipation of the freedom that comes from riding the bike to a friend’s or flying down the street to grandma’s. Soon will come the joy of wind in the face when going fast! There is joy and excitement in the air! “Thanks, Dad!”
In time, maybe yet that day, comes the reality of the dangers of learning to ride a bike. Watching his older sister learn and knowing of the bumps and bangs that friend Joey got in the process, brings on a little bit of fear.
But Dad is here!
So, in time, Dad helps the boy mount the “steed” and then runs alongside as he takes a maiden “voyage.” After a few runs, it is time for a solo. Dad runs along for a spell and then turns him loose and for a brief moment, all is well. Well, not well, for the wobble is pronounced and the radical attempts to correct are only briefly adequate. Then it happens – crash! Boom! Bang! Bent fender and bruised. A bruised body, bruised emotions, and a bruised will!
A couple of days later, Dad says, “Let’s give it another try.” But the boy is hesitant – very hesitant. The “little steed” is too wild a ride. Not today. Not soon! Maybe never!!!!
And now Zephaniah 3:16-17. Dad to son (whose name is Zion):
“Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save…”
Not that Dad is God or that any Dad would use such language but the idea is there… “Don’t be afraid. Be strong! I will be with you and I will stay alongside to save you from crashing again.”
From the son, “OK!”
Off they go – son on the bike and Dad running alongside for a successful excursion on the little machine of steel on rubber. On completion, Dad is full of accolades and congratulations…
“He will rejoice over you with gladness!”
Dad: “Yeah! Great ride! I think we should do it again but this time I’ll turn you loose after you get going.” Son: “ I’m not sure. I don’t want to fall. Maybe tomorrow.”
Dad: “You can do this. You will do fine – I’m confident in you.” Sounds like 3:17, He will quiet you with His love
So, the son remounts and Dad does as he declared. After running alongside far enough to get the bike stable and the son settled – Dad turns him loose. Off goes the boy in control and in joy. After a not so smooth stop and no crash, the father runs up overjoyed with the boy’s joy and success having conquered fear and machine. Then Dad might break into a song of praise and thanksgiving over the son’s success and new state in life.
3:17, He will rejoice over you with singing.
OK – a pretty poor illustration of a GREAT truth about our God’s love, strength, joy and even His singing! Our God rejoices over His people! What a great revelation! Thanks, God!!!
a PK Musing 
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