Hope Series Episode 19

Hope Series Episode 19

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But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7

Hello, my walking friend! Regular walking boosts lung capacity and oxygen intake, improving respiratory health. The rhythmic breathing during a walk increases lung efficiency and strengthens respiratory muscles. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), aiding in better management of symptoms and improved quality of life. So when you walk today, be sure to take long, deep breaths and thank Jesus for your lungs!

Today is the 19th episode in the hope series and our verse to meditate on is: Micah 7:7
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Oh, this verse is packed with so much goodness! Look at the verbs in the verse – watch, wait, hear. We watch in hope for the Lord, we wait for him, and he will hear us. Micah is using action words here. He is being declarative. But as for me…
How about us? What would we say next? As for us…
See, we have a decision to make, just like Micah. Are we going to actively watch for the Lord, waiting to see what he will do? Are we going to wait, not as someone without hope, but expectantly, knowing that God is still on his throne and that Jesus is walking right there with you. God is all-powerful, but oh so personal, too! That can be a hard thing to get our heads around. It can be for me. But let’s not limit who God is because of what we can’t understand! How could we ever have hope if we did that?

Instead, let’s actively watch for how God is working in our lives and in the world. Let’s remember what he has done in the past, in our lives and in the world. And then let’s wait with eager anticipation to see what he will do. And let’s not forget, that as followers of Jesus, we are to always be waiting with eager anticipation for his return!

Finally, let’s tell Jesus about it all! Exactly how we are feeling. Lament, cry out, cry, praise, thank, sing – whatever you are feeling or thinking, share it with Jesus!! My friend, he can handle anything you bring to him! He will love you just the same. He has promised not to leave you or forsake you. But, do you know what? He gives you the freedom to forsake him. But please don’t! Talk to him! Your God will hear you!

Let’s look at each part of the verse again.
But as for me. In the midst of a challenging situation, Micah declares a pivotal choice: to turn towards the Lord. In times of distress, confusion, or sorrow, we, too, can intentionally choose to fix our gaze on God. When we shift our focus from our circumstances to the One who holds our circumstances, we find a renewed sense of hope.
I wait for God my Savior. Waiting is often seen as an inactivity, but in the biblical context, it’s an active waiting filled with expectation and faith. This waiting involves trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. Psalm 27:14 encourages us, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” Our hope is fortified as we wait in faith for him.
And then, “My God will hear me.” What a comforting affirmation! Our God is not distant or unresponsive; He hears our prayers and petitions. Psalm 34:17 (NIV) echoes this truth, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” Our hope is grounded in the confidence that our cries reach the ears of the Almighty, and He is moved with compassion.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse,
Micah 7:7:
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection.

Why do you think it is harder to have hope when you see the world from a human perspective instead of a heavenly one?

What will help you remember to watch and look for what Jesus is doing while you are waiting for your hope to be fulfilled?

It’s hard to see Jesus at work if you don’t know his ways. Does this realization make you want to dig deeper into his word?

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:
Micah 7:7
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:
Dear Jesus,
I praise you and worship you for who you are. You are the creator of all things, in heaven and on earth, of all that is visible and invisible. And all things are held together in you. When I really stop and consider this, I am filled with awe! You are holy and righteous and perfect. I want to stand boldly, like the prophet Micah, and with excitement, filled with hope, to see what you are going to do in my life and in the world. Yes, Jesus, fill me with wisdom so that I can see things with a heavenly perspective. Thank you for being my Savior and thank you for walking with me always. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, the one who hears you. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today.

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue meditating on Biblical hope. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.