And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Luke 1:14
Zacharias was old and tired. “Well stricken in years” (Luke 1:7). And now afraid (Luke 1:12). He was scared to death. As if the angelic visit wasn’t enough, trying to raise a newborn boy at an old age?
And to top it off, he would be mute for nine months (Luke 1:20).
Was God punishing Him? No – Zacharias was righteous and blameless (Luke 1:6).
God was blessing Him with joy and gladness (Luke 1:14).
God wants to make you joyful!
The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 10:22