Passage of the Day:
What misery is mine! I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster of grapes to eat, none of the early figs that I crave.2 The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains. Everyone lies in wait to shed blood; they hunt each other with nets. 3 Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire— they all conspire together.4 The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. The day God visits you has come, the day your watchmen sound the alarm. Now is the time of your confusion.5 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. 6 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.7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me, Micah 7:1-7.
Reflection:
The Old Testament is filled with accounts of hopeless times, often brought on by disobedience, ignorance and trials designed to test your faith. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, survival is one of the positive aspects of this storm. As I continue to pick up of the pieces of fallen trees and limbs, I hope that power will be restored soon. Unfortunately, as assessments are being completed in Aiken County, the amounts of down power lines and electrical poles is prolonging this process. These circumstances have opened my mind to the words Micah, watching in hope for the Lord.
Prayerful Action:
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint, Isaiah 40:30-31.
Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:
How you respond to everyday situations will influence your degree of hope. If a circumstance catches you off guard, you will likely respond, “God, why is this happening to me?” Meanwhile, Christians who have experienced much more difficult things in life tend to ask God, “what are you trying to teach me Lord?” As the leaves begin to change colors later this month, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to watch in hope for God daily.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Waiting is one of the hardest things for me to do. Yet, in the waiting for God, watch in hope for God who has provided for others time after time.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 