Week 39: From Dispair to Hope
Weekly Reading:
Micah 1 - Zechariah 10
Opening Prayer
Father God,
Sometimes it is difficult for me to rise satisfied with my life. Sometimes I feel out of control, unhappy, and discontent. At times, I struggle with knowing I am truly blessed, but realizing and celebrating those blessings. Sometimes I see my blessings as curses rather than blessings. Give me the hope and light that I need to see my blessings as blessings and to feel content with my life.
Amen
Study
“How miserable I am! I feel like the fruit picker after the harvest who can find nothing to eat. Not a cluster of grapes or a single early fig can be found to satisfy my hunger. The godly people have all disappeared; not one honest person is left on the earth. They are all murderers, setting traps even for their own brothers. Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil! Officials and judges alike demand bribes. The people with influence get what they want, and together they scheme to twist justice. Even the best of them is like a brier; the most honest is as dangerous as a hedge of thorns. But your judgment day is coming swiftly now. Your time of punishment is here, a time of confusion. Don’t trust anyone— not your best friend or even your wife! For the son despises his father. The daughter defies her mother. The daughter-in-law defies her mother-in-law. Your enemies are right in your own household!”
Micah 7:1-6 NLT
There are times we feel just like Micah, there is no good left in the world, the world is full of competition and greed. We see people hurting, while those in power turn the other way. We are distracted by what they want us to see, diverting our eyes from the truth.
“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.”
Micah 7:7 NLT
When our eyes are fixed on God, we see His truth, we see His glory, we see His promises and we see there is good in the world for those who love and serve Him.
Micah calls God his light in the darkness.
“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 7:8 NLT
We see this in our own lives. Sometimes we say when a door closes, God opens a window. It is hope. God is our hope because we know that this world is not our final kingdom. God has more in store for us.
Micah was troubled by the horrible acts of those around him: those who became rich at the detriment of others, who were deceitful and evil. But Micah knew that as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord there is hope.
We know that as long as we keep our eyes on the Lord, there is hope.
Closing Prayer
Father God,
Help me see light instead of dark, promise instead of despair, contentment instead of restlessness. We know that this earth is not our home, You have plans for our eternal life, and for that, we have hope when this world feels heavy. Father, we pray that You continue to lift our spirits as we serve You here on earth.
Amen
Homework
When you find that you are feeling depressed or distressed this week, reach out to God and ask for help.
Also, if you need it, seek out a counselor who can help you.
