“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me.
(Micah 7:7)
In this Advent season, let us be united in our devotion to God for His saving grace proffered to us in Christ Jesus, as we ready our hearts for the commemoration and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and be affirmed by the hope of His return.
In the opening verses of chapter 7, the prophet Micah was lamenting in despair, particularly over the wickedness of his people.
In verse 1, the prophet gave the outburst, “What misery is mine!”, and described his loneliness and isolation figuratively. Verse 2 - 6 follows, where the prophet lamented over the evil practices within the society of his time.
However, verse 7 expresses the prophet’s hope in God, despite his unfavorable outward circumstances: “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me.”
As I reflected on these 7 verses, it brought to mind seasons in my life where I journeyed through moments of despair, hopeless situations, and when I felt alone and isolated.
In that dreadful season, I was reaping the consequences of my wicked ways of being drawn into the evil practices of drug addiction and drug trafficking. In the midst of despair, I felt utterly powerless and devoid of any hope to stand back on my feet, to have a future, and worst of all, to live for another day.
In that forlorn state, the Lord Jesus brought hope into my life, and gave me meaning and purpose to live for another day. This was during the season of Advent in 1996. Therefore, for me in a special way, Advent is not only a season of preparation, commemoration and celebration, but also a season of hope to all who feel hopeless in despairing situations.
For example, the “Angel Tree Project” (ATP) organized by Prison Fellowship Singapore during the Advent season proffers the hope of God to those behind bars, and to their families.
Through this avenue, not only is hope and transformation is brought to those behind bars, their reconciliation with their loved ones is also enabled. Oftentimes, a little gesture of love towards the needy, underprivileged and the brokenhearted will rekindle the spark of hope in their lives.
My prayer for this Advent season is that those who are in despair will find hope in Christ and be assured by the words of Prophet Micah, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me.”
As the redeemed children of God, let us share and direct others to the everlasting hope we have in Christ Jesus.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13)
In Christ name we pray. Amen!
Rev Daniel Lee
All Saint Presbyterian Church
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