The Gift of Exposure

Micah 7:9 I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication.

Lately, it’s been a daily prayer that the plans hatched in darkness will come to light. I am not a stranger to this prayer as it has been a lifeline for me in other dark times in my life. But the light cuts all directions, and it’s good to remember that. Maybe God’s purposes in allowing darkness include showing me my own fear, or willingness to hide when I need to speak, or selfish desire for comfort. The point is, the light of exposure is a gift, and it is nowhere made clearer than here by the Prophet Micah. That’s because the Lord who exposes hearts does it out of love.

So, please pray for exposure – of evil, of malicious intent, of those who create chaos and terror. But keep on praying for the gift of exposure for your own heart too, remembering that the One who exposes is also the one who pleads your cause, executes judgment, and brings you back out into the lovely, brilliant light.

Giver of good gifts, it seems tough to thank you for exposure until we remember that the same light that exposes darkness in culture, exposes darkness in our own lives – out of love, in order to intercede, offer forgiveness to the repentant and declare us free again.