Week 21
Micah 7:7 “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.”
The prophet begins this chapter with discouraging statements: “Woe is me! “The godly person has perished”; “Concerning evil, both hands do it well”; “Do not trust a neighbor; do not have confidence in a friend”; “From her who lies in your bosom guard your lips”; “A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.” This was a time when no one could trust anyone else. It is hard when life’s sacred bonds, the bonds that hold us together, dissolve into selfishness, manipulation, and oppression. In such times the dark shadow of despondency rises above us to shut out the sunlight of hope and love.
So, what does the prophet of God say? How does he respond to such circumstances? He writes, “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.” His expectation, indeed, his anticipation, is not from people, but from the Lord. His expectation focuses on what God has promised him; he takes his eyes off of people. And it is certainly true that in spite of the fact that people are mistreating him and cannot be trusted, Micah does not give in to the despair of hopelessness. Why? Because Micah belongs to the Lord! The Lord is his shelter and his refuge. The Lord God of heaven and earth will take care of him. The Lord is watching over him, and the Lord is providing for him. People, no matter how evil they are, cannot prevent God from being God in our lives. This is the meaning of God being our shelter and refuge. Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 91:2 “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 27:5 “For in the day of trouble, He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up.”
When we have no other safety but God, when we have no other refuge but God, and when we have no other hope but God, it is then that God is glorified in our circumstances and hardships by being our great deliverer. It is in the storms of life that we come to understand our own frailty and God’s sufficiency. God’s grace sparkles in the dark night of sorrow, and His love shines forth to break through the dark clouds of sadness. The Christian comes to know the Lord best through the trials and difficulties of life. When we are anxious and hurting, we have the great opportunity to have sweet fellowship with Jesus. If you are in a time of burden, sickness, fear, and trouble, run swiftly and jump into the arms of Jesus. You will find Him both sweet and sufficient for your needs. Turn over to Him your cares and your prayers, wait on His dispensation. Your God will hear you; your God will work on your behalf.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to take my eyes off of my troubles and put them onto Jesus. Amen.
