Wednesday Reflection – July 24, 2019 – God’s Poured-Out Love

I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Micah 7:7

 “Lord, protect me from my friends because I know who my enemies are.” This popular phrase demonstrates the heart of our greatest struggle as humans, which is human relationships. Our relationships cause the greatest joy, yet the greatest pain. We struggle to maintain happy, healthy, wholesome and sustained relationships. It is no wonder that Paul says in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

The context of today’s Watchword highlights this painful struggle. Even more serious is that there existed crumbling relationships among God’s people. Hear Micah, “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.” (vs 5-7)

Because of their rampant sin and selfishness, personal relationships had decayed among God’s people. One could not trust a friend nor put confidence in a companion. Even blood relatives were at war with each other. What a painful reality for Micah! Yet, this reality is ours today. When we reflect on what’s happening in our homes, schools, communities, nation, and world, our reality is one of hardcore, hostile, antagonistic relationships. The church is no exception. We too are callous, crude and cruel to each other.

It is in this unfortunate context that Micah says, “I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” In his sin-immersed culture, there were only few people he could turn to. But he knew assuredly that he could confidently look to the Lord and wait for him to act. He knew God would hear him and come to his aid. It is no wonder that in the following verse he declared, “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.” (vs 8) God used the opportunity to drive Micah close to him. If we are wise, we will learn the lesson and draw close to the Lord.

Today’s New Testament text provides a solution – “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) We must not give up hope in the midst of crumbling relationships. Instead, we should open our hearts to receive God’s love that he desires to pour into us, so that we can demonstrate his love to all whom we interact with. With this love, God also offers his Holy Spirit to indwell us so we can do good and live right with others. God’s Holy Spirit, together with his love, enables us to love, forgive, share, support and be there for each other.

Till next week, let’s pour out some love, irrespective of who or what.

 Jermaine Gibson