Devotionals by Chris Jordan

“Therefore, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7).

For seven years from 1999-2006, I was an adjunct professor at Pacific Life Bible College. I taught two different courses there-Bible Research for first year students, and Intro to Hermeneutics for second year students. One of the Bible interpretation tools I shared with my students was this: Whenever you see the word ‘therefore’ in the Bible, you should ask yourself: “What is it there for?”

In Micah chapter seven, this Hebrew prophet describes some of the challenges that he is facing in his life and in his nation. There are troubles and trials on every side. He said, “It is harvest time and I have nothing to eat, there are no good people left in the world, there is evil and injustice on every side, and you can’t even trust your own friends or family.” And then he drops that important connective word: therefore. Therefore, because of these problems and challenges, what will I do? He doesn’t cry about it. He doesn’t complain to his friends (apparently, there weren’t any around anyway). He doesn’t climb into bed and pull the covers up over his head. No. What does he do?

“Therefore, I will look to the Lord.” He chooses to change his perspective. Instead of focusing on all of the difficulties (and there were many of them), he shifts his attention to the Lord. Like the Psalmist said: “I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2). Notice he doesn’t deny reality or say that the problems don’t exist. No- the reason he looks to the Lord is because he needs help, and he knows where the best source of help is: The Lord. If God is powerful enough to have created the entire universe, then surely he is strong enough to help me with whatever challenges I’m facing in my life today.

“I will wait for the God of my salvation.” Once we have turned our eyes to Jesus, the next thing we must be willing to do is to wait upon the Lord. As we wait upon him, our strength is renewed! In Psalm 40:1-2, David said, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock.” Not only is God the all-powerful Creator of the universe, he is also our all-loving Saviour. He is the God who saves!

“My God will hear me.” The last part of this verse is a declaration of faith. Micah doesn’t say, “Will my God hear me?” No, he says, “My God will hear me.” As a father of four children, I have learned a little bit about the nature of the Father’s heart of love. Although I am an imperfect, sinful, human father, I love my children with all of my heart and would do anything to protect them from danger, and to provide for their every needs. How much more good and loving is our Heavenly Father? Think about it! God loved us so much that he sent his son Jesus into the world to die on the cross- while we were still sinners! That’s amazing grace. That’s wonderful love.

I don’t know what comes before your ‘therefore‘. Maybe you are dealing with relationship struggles. Or there is pain and sickness in your body. Or troubles and lack in your finances. Or you battle mental health issues, struggling with anxiety, fear and depression. Whatever you are facing today, I challenge you: Therefore, look to the Lord, wait for God, and He will hear you!