Morning Devotional 073125 Great Joy!

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

July 31, 2025

Zephaniah 3:14-17

14 Rejoice, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem. 15 The LORD has removed your judgment; he has turned away your enemy. The LORD, the king of Israel, is in your midst; you will no longer fear evil. 16 On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem: Don’t fear, Zion. Don’t let your hands fall. 17 The LORD your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing.

Good Morning! God will rejoice over us with singing!

One of my great blessings as a pianist has been the opportunity to accompany some wonderful singers. When I finally went back to college to complete my music degree, I became the accompanist for a lovely young lady named Adrienne. For her senior recital, she sang the beautiful aria based upon this scripture.

The clarity of her vocal runs and the strength of her voice still bring me goosebumps and fill me with joy. Handel was a master at creating melodies that painted the text in a way to perfectly employ its meaning to the listener. 

Rejoice and exult with all your heart. Don’t fear! He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing. 

This is God’s promise to all who listen and follow the call of Jesus! Rejoice for God is with us! Do not fear for God is with us! God, who is with us, protects us! 

Whenever we focus on those words, our souls are filled with joy! The darkness that was creeping in fades away, and the light of Jesus opens our eyes, hearts, and minds. May your thoughts be turned to rejoicing on this day of possibilities.

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! JOY! In all that we do, may we find the joy that is awaiting us. May we never take for granted the gifts that you bestow upon us. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God fills our souls with joy.

Allow God to turn on your heartlight!  Pastor Liz