“A Prophetic Word” Day 58: Listen. Heed. Trust. Draw near.

“Woe (judgment is coming) to her who is rebellious and defiled, The tyrannical city [Jerusalem]! She did not listen and heed the voice [of God]; She accepted no correction. She did not trust in the LORD [but trusted her own power]; She did not draw near to her God [but to the pagan gods of Baal or Molech].”

Zephaniah 3:1-2 AMP

In the above passage concerning Jerusalem, the Lord expresses the cause of His disapproval of His people very succinctly: He says that they don’t listen; they won’t be corrected; they won’t trust Him; and they won’t draw near to Him. Because of these things, the Lord would bring judgment upon His people.

Indeed, we are living in a time of stress, confusion, and what feels like judgment. As such, it is good to reflect on what the Lord has said to His people in the past. We would do well to learn from their example of what not to do, indeed, what leads to destruction. As well, let us consider what the Lord has said will lead to rescue, safety, and blessing.

“Woe (judgment is coming) to her who is rebellious and defiled, The tyrannical city [Jerusalem]! She did not listen . . .”

Child of God, let us listen to the Lord more closely. Sometimes we wonder why the Lord isn’t speaking to us, when the fact is that we have so many other things cluttering our minds, that we may seldom check to make sure we are “tuned in” to His voice.

“Woe (judgment is coming) to her who is rebellious and defiled, . . . She accepted no correction.”

Let us also add to our listening ear, an obedient heart, willing to receive correction and act on it. Indeed, we serve He Who knows what is in all hearts. If we don’t obey, or we obey begrudgingly, we miss our blessings.

“Woe (judgment is coming) to her who is rebellious and defiled, . . . She did not trust in the LORD [but trusted her own power];”

To our listening ear and obedient heart, let us trust more fully in the Lord. The more vulnerable we may feel, the more difficult it may be to rely on the Lord rather than our own devices. But trust is built in times of difficulty as we stay focused on the Lord, continuing to follow even when we are afraid and/or confused.

“Woe (judgment is coming) to her who is rebellious and defiled, The tyrannical city [Jerusalem]! . . . She did not draw near to her God [but to the pagan gods of Baal or Molech].”

Finally, let us add to our listening ear, our obedient heart, and our trusting attitude, a passion for God’s Presence above all other pursuits. This is what the Lord desires and this is what will lift us up to a deeper relationship with Him and assure our walking in His marvelous favor!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!