Week 19
Micah 7:7-9 “But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His righteousness.”
Micah 7 begins with the words, “Woe is me!” The prophet lived in such a time when there was so much sin, so much unfaithfulness to the Lord, that he hardly knew what to do. What can God’s people do when we find ourselves living in such a time? What are we to do, and how are we to feel if we discover that we are swimming in an ocean of godlessness and rebellion?
Micah 7:7-9 helps us to think about such a time. The prophet said he would “watch expectantly for the Lord.” He said he would “wait for the God” of his salvation (vs. 7). He would show confidence toward his enemies (vs. 8) and bear the time of God’s indignation until God “pleads” his case and “executes justice” for him (v. 9). These are terms and expressions of endurance and perseverance. Sometimes the best thing God’s people do in a terrible moment is to hang on and look to the Lord in prayer and faith.
What motivated the prophet to have such faith? What fueled his patience to wait on the Lord? Our text helps us to see that the prophet had before him God’s promises that cannot fail. Micah said, “my God will hear me” (vs. 7). Again, he said, “though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me (vs. 8).” And again, Micah said, “He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His righteousness (vs. 9).” Micah believed that difficult situations did not inhibit God from being God; he believed with all of his heart that tough times are the backdrop in which God’s promises shine brightest.
Christian friend, you must fight well against the darkness and despair that threaten to swamp us in moments of hopelessness. But how can you fight against such a force? The Lord God is with you, and you must look to Him in faith and dependence to strengthen, undergird, and help you to face your circumstances and continue on for God’s glory. The Lord God has promised to hear your prayers and come into your circumstance at just the right time to do the right thing to bring about the best. He cannot fail; He must prevail! Do not set a timetable on God, and do not doubt His love for you. One day the Lord will bring light into your darkness, and you will see as never before how wise and good He is! He loves you, and He will stand with you in ways you cannot now predict. And you WILL praise Him!
Prayer: Dear Lord, right now I am baffled and overwhelmed! I hardly know what to do or where to turn. But, precious Lord, I am looking to You in faith and in hope; You are good, and You do what is good! I trust You to work in my life to bring about what is good and right in Your sight. Thank You for being faithful to Your promises. Amen.