Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today, Sharon Gomez inspires us to find joy in being God’s creation.

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT).

If you are a mother or have special children in your life, you know everything changes once they enter your world.

My heart fills when my adult children, their significant others, and their dogs come to my house. Sometimes, friends join us, and the chaos makes me smile.

The joy comes from the bond I have with my children and the community that gets created when we are all together.

The context of today's verse comes from the prophet Zephaniah. First, he reminds the people of Judah of God's powerful wrath for those who stray from Him. Second, there is a calling for humble repentance. Finally, in the chapter containing our key verse, the prophet tells believers the Lord God lives among them and they should find hope in the Savior to come. The Savior who not only loves His people but also rejoices over them simply because they exist.

Old Testament believers were told to be hopeful because God's children would be united, and their sins would be cleansed. But we are on the other side of that message and can access the reconciling power of Jesus simply by asking.

Isn't it also amazing to know that God rejoices over who we are? Not because of what we've done, what we've said, or even what we will do or say in the future, but because we are His creation!

The joy I feel in my little family gatherings must be how God feels when we are in community for His will. I imagine God smiling when His children live how He intended us to, not only during church functions but also in our everyday, mundane lives. Every breathing moment is an opportunity to be in community with Him.

Take a moment today to be joyful, not just because you are saved, but simply because you are His creation!

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com