Woe is me! For I am like those who gather summer fruits, Like those who glean vintage grapes; There is no cluster to eat Of the first-ripe fruit which my soul desires. The faithful man has perished from the earth, And there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; Every man hunts his brother with a net. That they may successfully do evil with both hands—The prince asks for gifts The judge seeks a bribe, And the great man utters his evil desire; So they scheme together. The best of them is like a brier; The most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge; The day of your watchman and your punishment comes; Now shall be their perplexity. Do not trust in a friend; Do not put your confidence in a companion; Guard the doors of your mouth From her who lies in your bosom. For son dishonors father, Daughter rises against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man’s enemies are the men of his own household. Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me--Micah 7:1-8
Dear Suzanne, Rebecca, Anna and Mikayla,
My goodness these verses up until the last one or two are very discouraging! Micah laments that there is no godly person left in all the land. He says it was like looking for summer fruit after the harvest was over. Reading these verses it would seem that there was no one we could trust...not friend, son, daughter, spouse, mother, father....The prophet begins with, woe is me! His eyes are on the people all around him and he is severely pained. There is no one he sees that does good. Truth was no longer a standard...everything was falling apart and confused. The same is true today in the 21st century. Micah tells us that even the best of them is like a brier. OUCH! Corruption and deceit abounded...everyone followed his own way and did what seemed right to him. Verse 5 advises us not even to trust a friend or a guide.
The prophet continues and says to be careful what we say even to our own mate! They may betray and disappoint. Girls, only one of you is married, but there is an excellent lesson here. I see many many married couples trying really really hard to have a good marriage...to find happiness. They go to their pastor, self-help books, friends...anywhere for help and put a tremendous amount of pressure on each other. They pile up expectations. Their marriage becomes an endless cycle of stress. Why? Because no spouse, friend, activity or hobby will ever satisfy us completely. They are looking to each other to provide what only God can give them and when that occurs disillusionment and dissatisfaction will abound!
So what is the answer: First and foremost the only really good marriage is one founded on the word of God. It is one where both spouses are submitted to God, loving Him and putting Him first. It is only then that they can relax and just enjoy one another's company and the fellowship they have in Him. Their expectation is from their Lord...not each other...and their thoughts, feelings and actions are guided by the word of God and controlled by the Spirit of God.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
2nd Timothy 3: 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Micah continues further and says that even our family will disappoint and rise up against us. SIGH! SIGH! So after saying all this what was the prophet's attitude? Are you ready for this...His attitude was HOPEFUL!!! I LOVE IT! Look at verses 7 and 8. Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me.
Girls...there is the answer...and it is not in politicians, friends, family or marriage...it is in Him. The Lord is the light in our darkness...He is our hope...He satisfies and fulfills all of our desires...He is completely faithful! It is God that we need, girls...We are complete in Him.
Love
Mom who understands this a little more each day.
