June 11

"Therefore I will look unto the Lord: I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." — Micah 7:7.

THE times in which the prophet Micah lived, were marked by every kind of wickedness and depravity. There appears to have been a general declension from God and his ways. It was seen among the various classes of society, in the unnatural disposition manifested by relatives, and the betraying of confidence in professed friends. It is well when our troubles induce us to look more towards God, and less to creatures. This was the case with the prophet. Observe

HIS CLAIM. It is the highest that can be made by any created being.

The interesting title of God. "The God of my salvation." This is true of temporal deliverances, but more especially of spiritual blessings. He is the God of our salvation, as his wisdom devised it, his grace purposed it, his Son accomplished it, his Spirit applies it, his word reveals it, and his ministers announce it.

The appropriating act of faith. "My salvation, my God." Here is the very soul and spirit of religion; its personal application. What a portion has the Christian! "My God;" his perfections are mine, engaged for my comfort and salvation; his covenant is mine, he has shown it to me; his word is mine, hidden in my heart; his grace is mine, implanted in my soul; his providence is mine, to direct me; his promises are mine, to comfort me; his ordinances are mine, to refresh me; and his angels are mine, as ministering spirits on earth, and associated companions in heaven.

HIS RESOLUTION. Two things he here resolves to do, and both are very fit and proper exercises for the Christian.

To look. But where? Some look to the world; to its riches, pleasures, fame, and fortune, for comfort; but the believer looks higher. It is a look of faith, we believe God's word; a look of love, we admire while we gaze; a look of desire, we long for fresh discoveries; a look of humility, we bow in adoration; a look of hope, for though clouds sometimes gather around us, the beams of hope dart through them, and we resolve with Jonah to look again towards God's holy temple.

To wait. It is our privilege that God waits to be gracious; it is our duty to wait that he may bestow his grace on us. We must wait on him, depending on his Spirit, urged by our wants, and encouraged by his promises.

HIS ASSURANCE. "My God will hear me." Every Christian may be confident of this. But how? From his gracious character, the mediation of his Son, the testimony of his word, and his own past experience.