September 8
Verse of the Day for September 8
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.Micah 7:18 KJV
The Key of Grace · Day 8 of 30
Reflection · 3 min read
Grace When You Need Clarity
Micah's own name is a question. It means, roughly, who is like the Lord. Near the end of his book he turns his name into worship: Who is a God like unto thee.
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
The verse before is dark. Nations licking the dust, creeping out of their holes like worms, afraid. Micah has seen judgement clearly. He does not soften it. That is why the question that follows lands with such force.
Who is like this God? Not because he is fierce, but because he delighteth in mercy. Delight is a strong word. It is not reluctant permission. It is pleasure. God does not pardon with a sigh.
Clarity often comes from asking a better question. When you are confused about what to do next, about a relationship, about a decision you regret, it helps to stop asking what is wrong with me for a while and ask Micah's question instead. Who is God, and what does he enjoy?
Sitting in traffic with your thoughts spinning, try saying it slowly. Who is like you, Lord, who passes over my wrong? The answer will not solve everything. It will tell you which direction is safe to face.
Clarity begins with a better question.Who is a God like you?
God pardons with pleasure, not with a sigh.
When your thoughts spin, ask who God is before you ask what is wrong with you.
Carry this today
Do you believe God enjoys showing you mercy, or only allows it?
Pray
Read Micah 7:17–19
17They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee. 18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Keep praying
Reflection by Collins Asein, from the daily devotionals in the PrayerKey app. Bible text: King James Version.