Be My Light
Recently, my family has found ourselves in the middle of some unexpected grief, and I have been given the opportunity to witness the unique ways each of us faces disappointment and loss. I’ve had to wrestle with the desire in my spirit to have hope in Jesus, to heal, and to find freedom from this grief, and the real, overwhelming feelings of disappointment and anger in my flesh. I’ve even had to struggle with the tension of wondering, “Am I the only person who feels this way? Why can’t I just move on?”
When I’m in a time of sadness and questioning God, I might typically find myself in the Psalms, looking for encouragement in Scripture such as Psalm 42:
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and God. (Psalm 42:5, NLT)
But in our series on the Minor Prophets, I decided to dig deeper into Micah, chapter 7.
Read: Micah 7:1-6
Reflect: This section is pretty intense, and when I read it I thought, “Okay, my problems aren’t THAT bad.” But our God is a loving Father who cares about us deeply. What hardships, disappointments, or grief are you experiencing today? What is making your heart feel heavy?
Read: Micah 7:7-10
As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. (Micah 7:7-8 NLT)
Reflect: The Holy Spirit spoke to me so gently through these two verses, reminding me that while the Enemy wants me to believe that I am hopeless and forgotten, that I can have confidence in the Lord to be near me in the darkness. Although I might have to wait and experience the sting of disappointment for some time, I know that He will be my hope, even in the midst of it! This verse makes me visualize myself sitting in a pit, maybe a lion’s den or a fiery furnace, but I also see Jesus sitting there with me. Take a moment to let the Holy Spirit show you how He is with you even in your worst circumstances. What do you hear, see, or feel?
Read: Micah 7:11-20
Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago. (Micah 7:19-20 NLT)
Reflect: In this final section, we are reminded of the hope we can have for our future because of God’s promises to His people. No matter how my flesh feels, I can stand firm on the truth of His Word. Ask God to remind you of those promises now.
Pray: God, I am feeling _________ because of __________. I trust that I can put my hope in You, but some days are just hard. Thank You for loving me and for caring about the things I care about. Thank You for being near me when I feel this way. Remind me of Your promises for me and light that You offer me through Jesus. Help me to surrender my grief, disappointment, and shame to Your compassion and mercy. In Jesus’ kind and loving name, Amen.
When I’m in a time of sadness and questioning God, I might typically find myself in the Psalms, looking for encouragement in Scripture such as Psalm 42:
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and God. (Psalm 42:5, NLT)
But in our series on the Minor Prophets, I decided to dig deeper into Micah, chapter 7.
Read: Micah 7:1-6
Reflect: This section is pretty intense, and when I read it I thought, “Okay, my problems aren’t THAT bad.” But our God is a loving Father who cares about us deeply. What hardships, disappointments, or grief are you experiencing today? What is making your heart feel heavy?
Read: Micah 7:7-10
As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. (Micah 7:7-8 NLT)
Reflect: The Holy Spirit spoke to me so gently through these two verses, reminding me that while the Enemy wants me to believe that I am hopeless and forgotten, that I can have confidence in the Lord to be near me in the darkness. Although I might have to wait and experience the sting of disappointment for some time, I know that He will be my hope, even in the midst of it! This verse makes me visualize myself sitting in a pit, maybe a lion’s den or a fiery furnace, but I also see Jesus sitting there with me. Take a moment to let the Holy Spirit show you how He is with you even in your worst circumstances. What do you hear, see, or feel?
Read: Micah 7:11-20
Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago. (Micah 7:19-20 NLT)
Reflect: In this final section, we are reminded of the hope we can have for our future because of God’s promises to His people. No matter how my flesh feels, I can stand firm on the truth of His Word. Ask God to remind you of those promises now.
Pray: God, I am feeling _________ because of __________. I trust that I can put my hope in You, but some days are just hard. Thank You for loving me and for caring about the things I care about. Thank You for being near me when I feel this way. Remind me of Your promises for me and light that You offer me through Jesus. Help me to surrender my grief, disappointment, and shame to Your compassion and mercy. In Jesus’ kind and loving name, Amen.
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