The Old Testament prophets are famous for bringing bad news. Even today, you sometimes hear someone chastise a pessimist by saying, “Don’t be such a Jeremiah!” because a constant diet of bad news wears us down.

That’s where many of us are today; worn down from all the bad, depressing events bombarding us every day. We’ve reached saturation point with doom and gloom and need to hear some good news; some hope and joy. So, the logical place to look is to an Old Testament prophet, right?

The tough prophet of darkness and doom, Zephaniah, becomes a messenger of hope and celebration in his final chapter.

If you are feeling depressed and frustrated at current events, turn to Zephaniah 3:14-17 and read these words:

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.

Take heart.