HE MOVED IN
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
While I’m writing this devotional, my family is in the process of moving homes. If you've ever moved into a new space, you know how personal it feels to unpack and settle in. It’s not just about location or the materials used to build that house; it's about making this new spot your home. Taking your stuff is one part, but moving in and living in it is essential to know how to make it your home. That’s the heart of Christmas: God didn’t just visit the world; He moved in. Not temporarily, He came to stay.
Zephaniah reminds us of a God who is not only mighty and victorious but also present and affectionate. The LORD your God is with you. That one phrase alone is enough to steady a shaking soul. He delights in you. He sings over you. That’s the kind of nearness that transforms how we see ourselves and how we face our circumstances.
Think about that for a moment. God doesn’t just tolerate you. He doesn’t simply put up with your faults or your failures. He delights in you. That means when God looks at you, His heart responds with joy. Not disappointment. Not irritation. But joy. That’s nearly impossible to believe some days, but it’s the truth. It’s the kind of truth that brings peace into our daily lives.
This kind of love doesn’t pack up when things get tough. God came to make His home first on this earth with the birth of the baby Jesus, and then, when you surrender to Him, to make His home in you.
Let that settle in. The Creator of the universe delights in you. He moved in. He’s not leaving. And He brings joy that isn't dependent on our performance. His presence is based on His character and faithfulness to keep His Word.
APPLICATION: Sit in the truth for a moment that God is present right now, not far away. God is with you and delights in you. Take whatever thought you have of His feelings toward you and ask God to substitute that with His truth.
PRAYER: Jesus, You came to make Your home in me. Even praying that out loud to You feels overwhelming. Thank You that I’m not too messed up for You to get scared and leave. I can trust You.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?