Joyfully Expecting!ნიმუში

Keep hoping when everything goes wrong

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7 NIV)

Micah 7 paints quite a depressing picture. People are killing each other, judges are being bribed, friends cannot be trusted, and even housemates turn out to be enemies. What a hopeless situation!

In the midst of this misery stands today's verse: “I wait for God my Savior.” Micah trusts that the LORD hears him and will bring salvation. This trust is not based on circumstances, but purely on God's faithfulness. Micah speaks of “my God,” who finds joy in mercy and who has compassion on His people in distress. Micah knows Him personally. Micah also refers back to promises that the LORD made to Abraham “in days long ago” (Micah 7:20 NIV). Now the people are in trouble—through their own fault, see Micah 7:9—but God's promises are still valid, and therefore Micah has hope for the future.

Time is slow when waiting. When we are in great trouble, waiting is harder still. Do you understand how Micah remains so hopeful? Do you ever “watch in hope for the LORD,” and how does this make you feel?