Devotion – Unwavering hope

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me (Micah 7:7)

Unfortunately, you may be able to relate to Micah in today’s passage. He laments the state of chaos around him. The godly have been swept from the land. Those in power are skilled at doing evil with both hands. Even families seem to be in a shamble.

All you need to do is turn on your television or scroll your phone to see stories that echo Micah’s environment. There is a term for the excessive reading of negative news stories: ‘doomscrolling’. There is something indulgent about doomscrolling. It justifies our frustrations with the world and gives us the license to despair and to think, ‘Woe is me. Things really are as bad as I perceive them to be’.

Micah could have gone this route. But somehow, he had the ability to hold onto hope. Something in his spirit enabled him to end his list of troubles with confidence that God would hear him and save him. He acknowledged his problems without letting them have the final word.

Maybe this is what Jesus means when he talks about faith like a mustard seed. If we can hold onto his promises and remember his goodness, we will see his salvation. Throughout history, the people of God have been ‘pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed’.

When the headlines or even your personal circumstances become doom and gloom, remember Jesus, who gave you victory once and for all when he rose from the grave. He made all the problems you encounter here on the earth so temporary. He sent you his Spirit to help you navigate this life. Watch in hope for the Lord. Wait for God, your Saviour, for he will hear you.

Jesus, because of you, sin and sadness do not have the final word. Remind me of your hope when I need it most today. Amen.

Prayer Points

We give thanks for the work and support of Pilgrim Uniting Church and MissionPoint Opportunity shop

We pray for the local organisations and communities who support the school

We pray for the Modica, More & Murdoch families

Micah Award

To Charlie for showing courage to try new and difficult things.

To Deborah for showing service and compassion.