Read: Micah 7:7-9
I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment . . . He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication. (v. 9)
The idea of exposure often carries with it the murky film of shame. We are found the fool or caught red-handed. Trapped in shame, we fear laughter, mockery, or disgrace. We recoil, determined to never be humiliated again.
The prophet Micah writes about how God exposes hearts, and how we can choose to move forward rather than recoil. Micah faces God’s exposure much like David, who, after his adulterous affair, confessed, “I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Samuel 12:13).
Micah owns that he deserves God’s anger, and will thus bear it, not running, not hiding in shame, not powering up in self-protection. He will invite light. Why? Because he is not numbered among those who “loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil” (John 3:19). He understands the light of exposure as good. The same God who is angry is the God who will plead Micah’s cause.
The prophet uses that spiritual practice we would do well to emulate. He confesses. He tells God that he trusts God’s exposure of his wrong. We see, even in the Old Testament, the truth that there is one who intercedes, one who brings all matters to light for the judge, so when we confess, there is forgiveness and vindication. —Amy Clemens
As you pray, practice confession, trusting that where God spills light, however painful the exposure, is also where he is able to vindicate.
About the Author
With a bachelors in journalism from Texas Tech University and a masters from Western Theological Seminary, Amy Clemens enjoys all things writing, particularly about the life of faith. She is blessed with a family that includes husband Fred, five children, and five grandchildren.
Amy has just published her first book, "Walking When You'd Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall," which weaves her journey from childhood abuse toward healing and spiritual growth with a practical theology for the big story of God. You can find out more about the book and author at walkingwhenyoudratherfly.com.
