Micah 7:14 Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, which lives by itself in a forest, in fertile pasturelands. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in days long ago.
Today I am drawn to verse 16 because it strikes me as a very current way of handling problems–cover your eyes, cover your ears, just pretend that there is no issue. And while that works for the very short term (if I don’t acknowledge there is an issue, then I don’t have to deal with said issue), that is not a long term solution (nor a very effective short term solution).
Micah 7:15 “As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders.”
In all my years of living, I have learned that if there is an issue, it’s best to deal with it–head on and immediately. Don’t dance around it. Don’t ignore it. Don’t sugar coat it. It’s probably only going to get worse on its own. If I’ve messed up, own up and apologize. If someone else is the issue, be honest (and as kind as possible) about what I’m seeing. It’s not easy, but it’s a much better way to deal with problems in the long run.
Micah 7:16a Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their power.
Precious Savior, Thank You that I know that just ignoring issues will not make them go away. Thank You that I have gotten better about recognizing and addressing issues, even when I am the root cause. Help me to address all others as Your beloved children. Help me to shine Your light always, even in conflict. Amen.
Micah 7:16b They will put their hands over their mouths and their ears will become deaf.
Have a blessed day.