A fuller expression of this verse says, “The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior (Who saves)! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest (in silent satisfaction) and in His love He will be silent and make no mention (of past sins, or even recall them); He will exult over you with singing.
The emphasis of rejoicing is usually reserved for the people toward the Lord, but here we see the tremendous Word of exhortation that the Lord Himself is in the midst of His people as a Victorious conquering Warrior, doing battle and celebrating over His Own. What an overwhelming portrait of devotion of God toward His creation. This portion of Scripture has been by far one of the most precious of God’s words to my heart throughout the years. While some may disallow that we can appropriate all of God’s Words as our precious personal promises, His Word is Spirit and truth, and penetrates through time and barriers to provide sustaining hope for those who receive it by faith.
In verse 12: 13 + 15: we read, “But I will leave among you a humble and lowly people, and they will take refuge in the Name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel (God’s people) will do no wrong, and tell no lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths; for they will feed and lie down with no one to make them afraid. The Lord has taken away His judgments against you, He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel is in your midst; you will fear disaster no more.”
It is no wonder that the Lord is bursting with shouts of joy over His people, as they have forsaken their way of doing things, and taken refuge in His mercy and grace. The Lord further says in verses 19: 21: “Behold, I am going to deal at that time with all your oppressors (those who afflict you), I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will turn their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you in, even at the time when I gather you together; indeed I will give you renown and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.”
Only the Lord in His Greatness is able to reach down and gather the lame (those who have no ability to help themselves), the outcasts (those shun by most in society). And only He is able to turn their lives around so that they become a testimony of His greatness in the midst of all the earth. Only He has this unfathomable Calvary Mercy and Grace that can extend to such lengths and depths. What a mighty God we serve!
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so very much for the delight of Your Holy promises to our heart! Thank You for the joy of anticipation at seeing Your Hand move on behalf of those who take refuge in You. Come by Your Holy Spirit and encourage all those who are in the depths of defeat and despair, that You, the Creator of Heaven and earth have come in answer to their (our) prayer, to stand in the very center of their situations, no matter how dire they may be. And, You being with us, we have everything. Glory to You alone, forever!
