Can you believe that? The Almighty God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, wants to be with you. You are that important to Him.

This was the sweet revelation I got when reading through the beginning of the book of Zechariah. Let me share the passage with you.

Zechariah 2:10-12 NKJV

10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. 11 “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst... and will again choose Jerusalem.

Yes, this passage is specifically written to the Israelites, they have returned to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple is completed under the encouragement of Zechariah. However, it also paints a powerful picture of the heart of God for us.

I love how it reads in The Message…God is on the way! He calls us His family! We are His choice!!

10 “Shout and celebrate, Daughter of Zion!
    I’m on my way. I’m moving into your neighborhood!”
        God’s Decree.
11-12 Many godless nations will be linked up with God at that time. (“They will become my family! I’ll live in their homes!”)...He’ll again make clear that Jerusalem is his choice.

This is such a beautiful picture for us, God’s people. He wants us to return to Him and rather than dwelling in a Temple, He wants to dwell in our hearts! He wants to be with us. He chooses His people and desires for us to know Him. He wants many people to be restored into right relationship with Him.

For me, this speaks of an intentional and relational God – not a distant or disconnected God. Sometimes I think this world would try and convince us that God doesn’t really care about us or the details of our lives. Certainly if we focus our eyes on the ways of this world, its heartache and brokenness, it is easy to get lost in negativity and despair. However when we turn our focus to God and His Word we can see the truth! He does care and He does want to be intimately connected with us and the details of our lives.

In the book of Zechariah God is calling His people back. He is reminding them that no matter how far they have gone from Him, He is there, waiting for them. His word remains steadfast (1:6). He will comfort them and cause prosperity to come (1:17) and blessing and provision will abound (2:5).

After all the pain of separation, the isolation and captivity, the years and years of their disobedience, He is still there, waiting and wanting them to return to Him.

After all our years, all our heartache, our selfish ways – He is waiting, calling us, longing for us to dwell with Him.

Oh, what a beautiful picture of our Heavenly Father and His loving heart for us.

Take some time today to dwell with Him, He wants to be with you!!

Blessings,

Laura Jane Anslow