The book of Zephaniah is rarely the subject of sermons or even Bible studies. Zephaniah wrote to the Southern Tribes of Judah about the “Day of the Lord” and the judgment that day would bring.

The Southern Tribes knew how and why God had judged the Northern Tribes yet had begun to think God would not judge them in those same ways. Zephaniah wrote his letter to tell them that God is fair, just, and unchanging. God will always judge what he has always judged.

Included among all of the “woes” and frightening words about God’s judgment, Zephaniah also included words of hope. The prophet wanted the people of Judah to understand that, while God will punish the sins of the nations, he will always be merciful to his people. Zephaniah said that Judah would fall but also that God would fully restore and redeem the faithful.

Those who will please God are never without hope, regardless of the circumstances that surround us. The godly Jews were taken captive alongside their ungodly brothers. Walking with God doesn’t mean we can avoid every diagnosis, be kept from every storm, or live with constant prosperity. It does mean that as we walk through the circumstances of our earthly lives, we are able to walk with Jesus and the hope of heaven’s perfection.

Zephaniah described the hope of those who walk with the Lord. He said, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” It is good to live a life that God will rejoice over.

Wisdom is pleasing God. That wisdom will carry us through this life with hope because we can know God is in our midst and he is mighty to save.