Keeping the faith in the bad Times

Read Zephaniah 2.

The devastation during the coming "day of the LORD" will be global; "all the lands of the nations" (v.11b).    Zephaniah's message includes both near-term and the ultimate earthly judgments of God.

God's anger will be displayed in all four directions.
-To the west (vv.4-6): Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron.  These were the coastal cities occupied primarily by the Philistines.
-To the east (vv.8-9): Moab and Ammon.  These were descendants of Lot from incest after the rescue from Sodom.  Interestingly, their judgment is compared to Sodom and Gomorrah.
-To the south (v.12): The people of Cush were descendants of Ham.  They became the Ethiopians and controlled the lands south of Judah, including Egypt.
-To the north (vv.13-15): Assyria.  The capital city of Nineveh was considered impenetrable.  But their pride went far beyond physical defense.  "I am and there is no one else" (v.15b).  Their sense that they were untouchable by man or God would result in their downfall.

Three insights for our faith:
1. God has hope for the future.
The second part of "the day of the LORD" will bring hope and restoration.
"For the LORD their God will be mindful of them and restore their fortunes." (v.7b)
No matter how awful things become in this world, God's plans for His earthly kingdom and our eternal home will unfold right on time.

2. God sees and hears our circumstances. (v.8)
"I have heard the taunts...and the revilings...how they have taunted my people and made boasts against their territory."  Every generation has had those who stated goal was/is to annihilate the Jews and drive them from their God-promised land.  The LORD has heard every word and will respond accordingly.  That is not only true of the Jews but equally applies to Christians under persecution.  "The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry" (Psalm 34:15).

3. God will be honored by every person. (v.11)
"...to him shall bow down."  People may now claim to have their own beliefs but in that day the exclusive worship of the LORD will be seen.  "So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-9)  

His invitation in verse 3 is simple.  Life-change is evident in three areas:
Seek the LORD-upward
Seek righteousness-outward
Seek humility-inward