Hope out of Despair

Zephaniah 3:14-20

¹⁴ Rejoice, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem. ¹⁵ The LORD has removed your judgment; he has turned away your enemy. The LORD, the king of Israel, is in your midst; you will no longer fear evil. ¹⁶ On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem: Don’t fear, Zion. Don’t let your hands fall. ¹⁷ The LORD your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing. ¹⁸ I will remove from you those worried about the appointed feasts. They have been a burden for her, a reproach. ¹⁹ Watch what I am about to do to all your oppressors at that time. I will deliver the lame; I will gather the outcast. I will change their shame into praise and fame throughout the earth. ²⁰ At that time, I will bring all of you back, at the time when I gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the neighboring peoples when I restore your possessions and you can see them—says the LORD.