14 The great day of the Lord is near—very near and coming fast! That day will be bitter, for even[c] the bravest soldiers will cry out in despair!
On that day…
I will…
Today’s reading is Zephaniah 1:1-18
The prophet Zephaniah was blessed to hear the word of the Lord. In the first chapter, the two above statements are presented multiple times. V. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 17.
What if it was today? Tomorrow? Or next week? What would look different? 2 Peter 3:10 and 1 Thessalonians 5:2 reminds us the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Can you hear His voice? Too many days and moments have I can miss His voice through the crazy busy journey I lead myself on some days. When my decisions are made for the world’s approval, not God’s approval. There are moments when I can be complacent in my ways, thinking that I’m doing just enough.
At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’ v. 12
The dictionary definition of complacent is “a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger or defect; a smug satisfaction with an existing condition.” If I place my security in anything other than my relationship with God, I live for the world.
Romans 12:2 is a daily prayer. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
After a weekend full of running our kids to sporting events, I need to call time out. How was I living? I know the answer. There weren’t nearly enough times where I just listened for Him. The honest part is that He never leaves us. I just get caught on the hamster wheel of life. Step off the wheel. Zephaniah was speaking to the people of many nations then and now.
Lord, open my heart, mind, and soul. Help us to see and know Your closeness. Please help us to understand that the day of your coming will come. Help us not to be complacent in what the world offers but in complete submission to you.
Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Lord bless you and keep you. On this day… He will