Ever the Optimist!
But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me... When I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. (Micah 7.7-8)
"Ever the Optimist!" I wouldn't mind if that epitaph were inscribed on my tombstone.
As I read Micah 7, I get the feeling that Micah is looking forward to his final reward. At least that's where I look when I read this chapter. Amidst the woes and judgments, the indictments and destruction, Micah is "ever the optimist." He was satisfied to trust the conclusion of the matter to God, for he knew that God would hear him, would raise him up, and would be his light. That's faith. Where did he get it?
The key to Micah's optimism is found in the concluding verses of his prophecy:
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old. (Micah 7.18-20)
Will your tombstone read, "Ever the Optimist"?
O God, I know that when I complete my journey in this sin-darkened world, you will "bring me out to the light" (v. 9). Hallelujah and thank you, Lord! Amen.