🏳️‍🌈✝️ Watch in Hope

Written By Julie Cosgrove

 November 30 2017

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But as for me, I will look expectantly for the Lord and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Micah 7:7{AMP}

I want to be like Micah. This not-so-well-known prophet tucked at the back of the Old Testament was such a faithful, hopeful man. His kingdom, Judah, was turning away from God more and more. The people sought worldliness and other gods. Judah’s leaders were self-serving and often corrupt. Illicit behaviors became commonplace entertainment. Sound familiar?

He watched the crumbling of his society occur over the reign of three kings, like a dam slowly cracking and dissolving as the tides of change press upon it. God whispered to him that He would soon bring discipline to His people. Micah knew harsh times were coming. Yet he envisioned beyond it to a time when God would once again be revered and the people obedient in their worship.

How could Micah see the future good in the midst of the evil-filled now? He knew God is good, eternal, and all-powerful. He believed in God’s promises to his ancestors. He trusted that his people were still chosen, not by their love for God, but His love for them.

Today, as we see the world around us heading down a different path, let’s try more to be like Micah. Crying out about what is wrong if called to do so, but also praying in hope and compassion for the lost and confused. Let us trust God is still on His throne and keeps His promises. Then, let us watch in hope for Him to move His loving hand in our lives and others’.

Lord, give me a tender heart for the suffering of others and disdain for the degradation of values around me, but also let me pray in hope, knowing that you are in control, you knew about the ways things are since the beginning of time, and you still can bring good out of evil and healing from pain because you love us so dearly. Through your Son, Amen.

Go Deeper ― Be aware of how many times you are negative today. Stop, take a long breath, and quietly turn it into a positive, hopeful prayer.

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