Micah 7:7–9, 18–20
But as for me, I will look to the LORD. – Micah 7:7
Click to read passage
Have you ever seen a scene like this in a film or on TV? A child is taking part in a school performance, and Dad has promised to be there. But something comes up at work. By the time he gets to the school, the show is long over. Clutching a schoolbag, the child says quietly, “Dad, you said you’d come. I kept looking for you while I was on stage.”
We’ve all known that kind of disappointment. Someone promises to visit. You wait for days, but they never come. Or someone in the family offers to help you with something, but nothing ever comes of it. After a while, it gets harder to take anyone at their word when they say, “I promise.” Sometimes we feel that way when we come to God. We’ve prayed about something for a long time, but nothing has changed. We find ourselves asking, “Lord, do You really hear me?”
In Micah’s day, people had also lost trust in one another. Leaders and judges demanded bribes. Even close friends were hard to trust. People had to watch what they said at home because their own family might turn against them (7:2–6). Amid all this, Micah says, “But as for me, I will look to the LORD” (7:7). Nothing has changed yet, but he is willing to wait because he trusts that God will hear him when he cries out.
Speaking for the people, Micah acknowledges that they have sinned against God and are now facing the consequences. Their enemies gloat over their suffering. Yet Micah trusts that God will take up His people’s cause and lead them out of darkness. That is why, even while they are still suffering, he can say, “when I fall, I shall rise” (7:8).
Micah closes the book with words of praise. “He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love” (7:18). God forgives us. He tramples our sins underfoot and throws them all into the depths of the sea (7:19). Generations have passed since God made His promise to Abraham and Jacob. He has kept His word and continues to show His love to their descendants.
Today we see God’s mercy in Jesus. While we were still sinners, Christ gave His life for us. Even when we fall, we can come back to our heavenly Father with confidence, confess our sins and receive His forgiveness through the precious blood of the Lord Jesus.
Perhaps you’re still waiting for a reply about something that’s been on your mind. Or maybe you’re hoping your family will find a way to make peace. While you wait, you can tell your heavenly Father how disappointed you feel. You may also remember a time when you let someone down. Ask the Lord to give you the courage to hear them out and admit where you went wrong. The father who missed the performance could start by saying, “You were looking for me, and I wasn’t there. I’m sorry.”
Reflection:
What have you been waiting for that has left you feeling discouraged? When people have let you down time and again, have you begun to wonder whether you can still take God at His word?
Prayer:
Faithful Lord, when the people around us let us down again and again, our faith begins to waver, and waiting gets harder. Thank You for the promise You made long ago and have kept to this day. Thank You for forgiving our sins through Jesus. While we’re still waiting for things to change, help us to keep looking to You. May we say with Micah, “But as for me, I will look to the LORD.” Where we have let someone down, give us the courage to admit it and help us follow through on what we promised. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Click to read passage
Have you ever seen a scene like this in a film or on TV? A child is taking part in a school performance, and Dad has promised to be there. But something comes up at work. By the time he gets to the school, the show is long over. Clutching a schoolbag, the child says quietly, “Dad, you said you’d come. I kept looking for you while I was on stage.”
We’ve all known that kind of disappointment. Someone promises to visit. You wait for days, but they never come. Or someone in the family offers to help you with something, but nothing ever comes of it. After a while, it gets harder to take anyone at their word when they say, “I promise.” Sometimes we feel that way when we come to God. We’ve prayed about something for a long time, but nothing has changed. We find ourselves asking, “Lord, do You really hear me?”
In Micah’s day, people had also lost trust in one another. Leaders and judges demanded bribes. Even close friends were hard to trust. People had to watch what they said at home because their own family might turn against them (7:2–6). Amid all this, Micah says, “But as for me, I will look to the LORD” (7:7). Nothing has changed yet, but he is willing to wait because he trusts that God will hear him when he cries out.
Speaking for the people, Micah acknowledges that they have sinned against God and are now facing the consequences. Their enemies gloat over their suffering. Yet Micah trusts that God will take up His people’s cause and lead them out of darkness. That is why, even while they are still suffering, he can say, “when I fall, I shall rise” (7:8).
Micah closes the book with words of praise. “He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love” (7:18). God forgives us. He tramples our sins underfoot and throws them all into the depths of the sea (7:19). Generations have passed since God made His promise to Abraham and Jacob. He has kept His word and continues to show His love to their descendants.
Today we see God’s mercy in Jesus. While we were still sinners, Christ gave His life for us. Even when we fall, we can come back to our heavenly Father with confidence, confess our sins and receive His forgiveness through the precious blood of the Lord Jesus.
Perhaps you’re still waiting for a reply about something that’s been on your mind. Or maybe you’re hoping your family will find a way to make peace. While you wait, you can tell your heavenly Father how disappointed you feel. You may also remember a time when you let someone down. Ask the Lord to give you the courage to hear them out and admit where you went wrong. The father who missed the performance could start by saying, “You were looking for me, and I wasn’t there. I’m sorry.”
Reflection:
What have you been waiting for that has left you feeling discouraged? When people have let you down time and again, have you begun to wonder whether you can still take God at His word?
Prayer:
Faithful Lord, when the people around us let us down again and again, our faith begins to waver, and waiting gets harder. Thank You for the promise You made long ago and have kept to this day. Thank You for forgiving our sins through Jesus. While we’re still waiting for things to change, help us to keep looking to You. May we say with Micah, “But as for me, I will look to the LORD.” Where we have let someone down, give us the courage to admit it and help us follow through on what we promised. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.