Hearing the Father Sing

What does the Father’s voice sound like? I recently asked this question while preaching at the Gospel Outreach Church in Masiphumelele Township. I’d been pondering Zephaniah 3:17 and the surrounding verses for a few weeks. It reads:

“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Those last words are truly amazing words-our God sings over us with “rejoicing.” In Hebrew it can be translated as dancing with praise.  I answered the question that Sunday by stating that I believe the Father’s voice sounds like the the last several hours of praise and worship.

My brothers and sisters at the Gospel Outreach Church hold nothing back with their praise to God. They use not only their voice but entire being to let their Mighty Savior know how much they love Him. The passion is evidenced by the perspiration pouring down many faces causing an angelic glow to light up the room. Those of you who have been there know exactly what I’m describing.

This African worship experience helps me comprehend how the Father exuberantly sings and dances with a love song over us, His beloved children. In my mind I attempt to recreate such a picture- trying to imagine that when the Father sees me He lets loose; He celebrates with the angels in heaven my homecoming and apart of His family.

The Father loves to rejoice over His children and especially when we realize our brokenness and sin and turn to Him. I encourage you to take some time and read Luke 15: the stories of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost Sons. When the lost are found and brought home there is singing, rejoicing, and yes even dancing in the Father’s house. Jesus shares these parables to show us the behind the scenes look into the Father’s deep affection for us.

It is vital today that we encounter the singing of our Father to drown out all the noise of our culture shouting out shame, rage, and false lies from the Ancient Serpent. When you hear the Father sing your soul will find peace and quiet rest, for you are held securely by His everlasting arms of love. This is what we have been created for! This is what deep down in our soul we all long for! Our hearts will not find lasting peace until we hear Abba’s love song over us.

Over the few weeks I intend to share ways to tune our spiritual ears to hear the Father sing His transforming love song over us. I truly believe this truth will transform your heart. I would also suggest a book “The Singing God,” by Sam Storms which I believe will bless and assist you as you listen for His song.