MICAH 7:7

I wholeheartedly agree with the prophet as he observed and surveyed the prevailing, existing conditions of his day and conclusively declared “Therefore I will look to the Lord…” (Micah 7:7). Honestly, there are quite a few other things and people we can look to, but when coming to salvation and genuine deliverance from the misery of our human condition, there is only one source to whom we can effectively and wisely look.

Sometimes we are tempted to look to the government, then I quickly remember that vain is the help of man (Psalm 60:11). Whether Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal, we will always find ourselves disappointed and disillusioned with politicians. To turn away from the Almighty and seek satisfaction in worldly leaders is to become like the children of Israel when the prophet Jeremiah professed that they had committed two evils – “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and have hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13). May we always be cognizant of the fact that broken cisterns are worthless. They leak! Our answer is not in the faulty governments of humankind.

There are also times we are inclined to put our faith and confidence in the church. However, when we come to our senses, we realize that the church is made up of flawed individuals like us, redeemed yet still flesh and blood, imperfect humanity, striving and trying to make it in, just like ourselves. No wonder the New Testament writer sternly cautioned us “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). In 2025, let us intentionally reset our focus. We have many other witnesses and fellow-travelers and companions-in-tribulation but one exemplar – the ideal model Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

As we constantly deal with all kinds of medical issues, we sometimes make the mistake of wanting to trust medical doctors and medical science even more than the Supreme Physician and Ultimate Healer of all our diseases. Let us always unhesitatingly seek the help of our erudite doctors, but may we also soberly keep in mind that they are also earth-born and limited. We are so grateful that they readily share their vast knowledge and expertise with us, but we adamantly keep in mind our God indeed has the final say. King Asa sadly made that grievous mistake and sadly paid for it with his life. We are told “…Yet in his disease, he sought not the Lord but to the physicians” (2 Chronicles 16:12). It is more than implied he died as a result (v.13).

I agree with the prophet Micah here in his insightful conclusion – “Therefore I will look to the Lord” (7:7). He goes further in that same verse to declare “I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me” (v.7). He does more than just look to the Lord. He makes up his mind to stubbornly wait on the God of his salvation. He vociferously proclaims, “… my God will hear me.” He ends his thought on the most positive note. What a beautiful way to begin 2025 – Looking, Waiting, Listening! This is our fearless declaration moving forward! I agree with the prophet! My God will hear me; therefore, we look to Him!