The Old Testament frequently speaks of enemies and how God saves Israel or individual Israelites from these enemies. Thus, we hear Zephaniah's words of encouragement: "God has turned away your enemies."

In our ordinary lives, we may feel that all this talk about enemies is not very relevant. In general, we do not have enemies, but we do face difficulties in life, if not every day, at least now and again, and so we do need encouragement and guidance in facing these "enemies".

Jesus was born for us and died for us; we may face all these difficulties but with patience and confidence.

Zephaniah repeats God's frequent words of encouragement: "Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged." In the storm on the Lake, Jesus repeated these words of encouragement: "Do not be afraid; it is I" (John 6:20).

The birth of Jesus was God's great act of reassuring love, and Jesus repeated this reassurance at the Last Supper: "Do not let your hearts be troubled, have faith in me, have faith in God" (John 16:1); "In this world, you will have trouble, but have courage for I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).