Technology has come a long way. Just yesterday, we were warned that the afternoon might be a little dicey in Middle Tennessee with a flash flood watch and some weather. While the extreme of what exactly might happen may not be exactly known due to extenuating factors, we had to be on alert. Tracking the storms from the northwest and seeing the lightning strikes from the weather radars, we prepared. As the storms approached with threats of 75 mph winds and possible hail, cars were pulled into garage stalls and the carport, animals were fed and secured in the barn, and open gym opportunities were canceled to allow opportunities for people and things to be “hidden” in places of refuge and protection.
Zephaniah, the minor prophet, experienced quite a few storms in his lifetime. Zephaniah had some “royal” bloodline. From the very first verse of chapter 1, we find out he was a descendant of Hezekiah and wrote the book during the reign of Josiah. Both of these kings were considered godly kings of Judah, but between these times, Judah experienced some storms. Some of those storms came through horrid kings such as King Manasseh.
And the people had a choice–”hide” in God or “hide” in the ways of the world.
Unfortunately, as Zephaniah warns about the “day of the Lord”, he tells us what some chose to find refuge in verses 5 and 6 of the first chapter.
- “…those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host.”
- “…those who swear by Molech..”
- “…those who turn back from following the Lord and neither seek the Lord nor inquire of Him.”
How many times are we guilty of this though? When the weight of the world falls on our shoulders, how often do we choose the ways of the world instead of God? That is what is being implied in that first statement above. While you may not go out and worship the stars and the moon, many of the people around that time were. The pagan cultures created idols that represented that very thought. And while we may not have “idols” in those forms, we have them in other ways: money, power, popularity, and success. Are these things what you are finding refuge in?
What about “Molech”? This is probably in reference to ancient kings or deities. Politics won’t save us. God will. Sometimes though we put our trust more in the political side where people know more about our beliefs there instead of what God has done for us.
And for others, when the storms come, they abandon. They, as Zephaniah says, turn their back. They don’t seek Him. They don’t inquire of Him. Maybe they blame Him. Maybe they are embarrassed.
It is inevitable that we will experience some storms here with our journey on Earth. Some may be our doing and choices, some may be from others, and some may be totally out of our control. But, when you experience these storms, where are you going to find refuge? Are you going to find it in fleeting things–things that won’t bring you peace, joy, and hope? “Things” that ultimately leave you feeling empty?
My brother-in-law, in a recent lesson on this book of the bible, said something quite quote-worthy that has stuck with me and needs to be shared.
“We aren’t looking for a feeling, but a healing!”
But is that truly what you are seeking? Are you seeking that healing? Zephaniah 2:3 tells us what to seek. “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.”
As the storms passed yesterday, our animals and vehicles suffered no damage because they were “sheltered” or hidden from those winds by the walls of protection in the garage and carport. And you know what, I will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger if I choose to be hidden in God instead of hidden in the ways of the world. Zephaniah knew that. As a matter of fact, his name, in Hebrew means something very similar to “hidden in God.”
You can’t believe the whispers of Satan. You are God’s treasure.
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
That is the place I want to take refuge in. A place in which I will be saved. A place in which I am loved. I place where I am valued. A place that will break down any barriers this world or the enemy throws at you.
Anchored to Him,
Leigh Ann
