In the midst of the hustle and bustle of this season, this week of Advent focuses on God’s love. Just reading this verse caused my heart to take a deep breath and relax, and I hope it does the same for you. It only contains seven words, but each is filled with meaning. Here is a slow unwinding of it.
“He will quiet you by His love.” –Zephaniah 3:17
He: It is not an abstract, imaginative “it” or carved statue. But a personal God who came down in the flesh as Jesus Christ.
Will: There is no shadow of doubt nor lingering wonderings. We have absolute certainty, clarity, and conviction. He has been faithful in the past; He will remain loyal in the present. What He wills, it will be accomplished. Nothing can thwart His desires and intentions.
Quiet: As a young son or daughter in need of their nerves to be calmed by their Father, they do so by resting in the embrace of their Father. He does not neglect, but nurtures us with His presence and promises.
You: The recipient and subject of His care. He is Intentional and direct, not passive.
By: There is a source from which we are quieted. It is not random, but there is a means.
His: Not someone else’s, but He takes ownership. No one else will do. It is not manufactured outside of Him but by Him. No one coerces Him to do so either. He does it because He wants to.
Love: It is an everlasting, steadfast, unbreakable love. The essence of who He is, “God is love.” Never will it be exhausted, nor does it grow faint. It is a covenant love that has been lavished upon us.
When seasons are frantic, nerves are on edge, or heartbreak leaves a despondent trail. His love is what quiets you. Take joy and comfort in that. Out of all the things that God could have written, this is what He chose to say because this is how good our God is. He remembers our frame and knows what is best to give to us, which is His love, which is Himself.
“He will quiet you by His love.” –Zephaniah 3:17
Rachel Whisman 
Leave a comment