Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;
When I fall, I will arise;
When I sit in darkness,
The Lord will be a light to me.
Micah 7:8 NKJV
This jewel popped up as the verse of the day in my Bible app. Where have you been all my life? It’s the reminder I need when I stumble and cannot stand. When each dawn brings another failure. When the road before me becomes treacherous. When I want to throw in the towel. When I feel all hope has evaporated in the blistering sun.
In those moments, I felt I couldn’t stand, nor muster up the strength to fight the enemy. My prayers seemed to fall on deaf ears.
That day, I needed this promise. When I fall, I will arise. It says “when,” not “if.” That means we will fall. The enemy wants to keep us down. He doesn’t want us to rise again. Paul instructs us to “stand” when we put on the armor of God:
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (Eph. 6:13-14)
How often does the word “stand” appear in these verses? We must rise up for the battle. We cannot combat the enemy curled up in a corner. No matter how bad we feel, we must trust that God has gone before us, and He fights for us.
Look back at our verse from Micah. “When I sit in darkness.” How many times have I been there? Surrounded by depression’s blackness, searching, groping for any sliver of encouragement, but coming up empty.
Friend, during our dark seasons, we need to look toward God, because He is our light. We feel we are covered in a shroud, but find the opening that allows one stream of light in and darkness will be dispelled. That light is God.
Depression warps our thoughts. It causes me to focus on me. What I lack. What I need. That thinking will pull us under like a rip current.
God’s light invades our darkness.
I know I will fall again. I will struggle to see the light. But this verse will be my key to unlock the door and let the light shine. I will pray Micah 7:8. I will speak it over myself. I’ll remember the light is available and I will arise.
Friend, that is true for you too. Stand and fight with God’s Word. You will arise. God is your light.
Heavenly Father, Your Word is a lamp to our feet. May we never lose sight of it. Help us stand again, as You have promised. Help us see Your light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Read this verse. Memorize this verse. Write it down. Remind yourself often. The Word of God is more powerful than any earthly weapon, and this is spiritual warfare.
DIG DEEPER
Read 1 Corinthians 16:13
Originally posted on September 9, 2020 @ 8:25 pm