Zephaniah 3:20 - An encouraging end to hardship

Scripture:

Zephaniah 3:20
20 "At that time I will bring you in,
Even at the time when I gather you together;
Indeed, I will give you renown and praise
Among all the peoples of the earth,
When I restore your fortunes before your eyes,"
Says the Lord.
NASU


Thoughts:

As Israel was facing the hardships to come prophesied by Zephaniah, these words must have felt like a warm embrace from the Lord.  To see what His ultimate plan for the nation was.  To know that He had not forsaken and forgotten about them.

We all go through hardships in our lives, too.  In the midst of our trials, we can so easily feel forgotten by the Lord, even forsaken by Him.  But just as the Lord had a better end in mind for Israel, so He does for us. 

Romans 8:28
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
NASU

For the Christian, when we go through the pains and struggles of this life, we can find encouragement knowing that God is working through our situation for our good.  We may not see the good during the trial, but we know that eventually, if not in this life, we will see it when we are home with Him in heaven.


Prayer:

Lord, this verse ministers to me.  In the midst of my struggles I sometimes feel confused, scattered, and overwhelmed, as Israel must have.  But I am so encouraged to know that You are with me through it all, working things for my good.  And that You are guiding me to a safe place, a place of rest with You.

Thank You!

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.