9-24-06 Zephaniah 2:3

Zephaniah 2:3 (KJ21)
Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, who have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.

Zephaniah 2:3 (NAS)
Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the LORD’S anger.

Zephaniah 2:3 (NIVUS)
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Zephaniah 2:3 (NLT)
Beg the LORD to save you—all you who are humble, all you who uphold justice. Walk humbly and do what is right. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.

"I'm just trying to get ahead." That is a sentence that you have probably heard many times. Those who speak this are usually spending more time at work than with their families. They are seeking the "almighty dollar", instead of seeking the Almighty. They are striving to secure everything they require in their own strength, wisdom, and power. Though they may be able to obtain what they want, there is usually a great cost to pay, such as loss of a marriage, relationship with children, and health.

There is a better way. It is important for you to seek Jehovah, the Lord. Let Him be your first desire and make your requests to Him. In Him you will find security and receive exactly what you need. Yes, you may be poor, humble, and afflicted, but that will not hinder the Lord in doing for you. He will rectify what concerns you, as you plead your case before His throne. His judgment will bring you what is just, right, and due. Your weakness will not prevent Adonai from acting in your behalf: in fact, it works in your favor, for He chooses the weak and foolish of this world in which to display His strength. You can be sure that if others try to bring you low, the Lord your God will lift you up.

You should seek the righteousness and justice of God; as you do, you will receive His vindication. You should also seek to be humble and meek. How do you do this? You positively respond to everything that Jehovah your Lord is speaking to you. Begin to testify of all that God is doing. Speak, shout, and sing His praises to the world. As you do these things, you may and probably will find that your desires, wishes, and longings are being fulfilled.

Then, in the day when the Lord pours out His anger on the earth, you will be hidden and concealed. The displeasure that He demonstrates towards others will not come near you. for you previously sought His pleasure and good will.