But I will leave

         in your midst

a people humble

             and lowly.

They shall seek refuge

  in the name of the LORD,

those who are left in Israel;

they shall do no injustice

and speak no lies,

nor shall there be found

in their mouths

       a deceitful tongue.

For they shall graze

             and lie down,

and none shall

    make them afraid.

          Zephaniah 3. 12-13

(The marks of arrogance

are injustice, deceit and fear.

But trusting in God

produces what is humble,

just, and seeking His way

     in desperate situations

     and on ordinary days.

God always prevails over

          circumstances,

    when we seek Him.

God is in our midst.

How then shall we live?

   In His Presence

   and as those beloved

                by Him.

And that will look

  ridiculously gracious and

  unexpected in this world.

When we abide in Him,

   we need not be afraid.)

O LORD,

Lead us through the brambles

  and on a different path,

keeping our eyes on You

    and not on ourselves

    or fearful of others.

Fill us with Your grace

  that it will spill out

  and overflow

    into the lives of others.

Help us to push back

             the darkness,

             bitterness

             and fear

with compassion

and grace

and the power of Your love.

Use us to help

       those all around us

  by coming alongside them

and love them

       right into Your kingdom.