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 | Other Versions | Context
Brief
Micah is a minor prophet who prophesied during the chaotic era of kings before the destruction of Israel and Judah. Like most other prophets of that time, he prophesied largely about the judgement of God and the destruction of Israel and Judah, without leaving out the idea of restoration of God’s people to God – it is a great trend for prophets, especially of those times, to first be utterly brutal and harsh in reprimanding the people and speaking of punishment and destruction, and then subsequently, when all seems bleak, to prophesy about hope. This verse isn’t so much a prophesy though – perhaps it is – in this verse we will dive into the topic of depending on God rather than men, and examine the things that we should do while waiting for the Lord.
Analysis
But as for me – To understand this we need to look at the verses preceding this – Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies are the members of his own household [Micah 7:5-6]. This is the distinction that the prophet has made – relying on men versus relying on God. Relying on men – people whom you can see, who are close to you – neighbors, friends, your spouse, your children, your family – people whom seem reliable. I refer you to Psalm 118:8-9 – It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes [Article]. It’s not that you should distrust humans and your loved ones. That would be a sad life to live. But let the basis of your trust be rooted in God instead, in small things and in big things. Especially when it comes to things concerning life, truth and salvation. Men will often fail us, but God would never. Men may one day save us – physically or emotionally, but God has already saved us, spiritually, and he is able to send men to save us. Do not put the entirety of your trust in men and men alone, but let the basis of it be rooted in Christ. For example, when a pastor preaches, respect the man, but worship him not.
I wait for God my Savior – I was just thinking that there are perhaps many types of ‘waiting’ in life. The basic idea of ‘wait’ never changes – you are required to spend a certain amount of time because you can’t do what you want or need to do next. Some people are able to sit calmly and wait patiently. Some will constantly pace up and down in anxiety. Some may get impatient and keep calling to urge haste. Some may occupy their time with thoughts. Some may just go about doing some other unrelated things while waiting. Some may try to solve the problem on their own in the meanwhile. And yet some others may sleep. There are many types of ‘waiting’. How then, are we expected to wait for God, our saviour? Micah gives us a suggestion.
I watch in hope for the Lord – Don’t close your spiritual eyes as you wait for the Lord. Don’t slumber or snooze, instead watch in hope for the Lord, and witness first-hand how his mighty works will unravel themselves. Don’t rely on your own strength, don’t put your hopes in men – but watch in hope for the Lord. wait, and watch what’s around you, so that when God acts, you can understand the full magnitude of his power and might. And watch in hope, not in despair. I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope [Psalm 130:5].
my God will hear me – Call out to the Lord, as you wait, if the wait is unbearable, if the suffering is suffocating you. Call out to God as many times as you need, rage against God like how Job did if you must; pour out your tears to him, for he listens, he will hear you, he will understand your every pain and ever need. Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him [Psalm 4:3].
Conclusion
When you wait for the Lord to do something, what are you expecting? Do you expect to see a ball of fire being casted from the heavens to open up your path? Or do you expect a chariot of angels to come flying to your aid? I believe that God uses the people around us to help us. God uses, at times the least expected people to help us. If your problem has been resolved, and it was a neighbour who has helped you, do you then declare that God has not helped you, but men had?
Let our spiritual eyes be open to the works of the Lord and let the spirit of wisdom and relevation enter our hearts so that we can discern and know that it is all from God.
re-Ver(sing) Verses 