Anchored in Hope: Trusting God's Promises Amid Chaos
Summary
When reflecting on the goodness and faithfulness of God, it’s impossible not to give Him praise. Even when life feels like turbulent ocean waves—unpredictable, overwhelming, and sometimes frightening—God remains our steady anchor, our promise keeper. Just as a parent holds their child securely in the deep waters, God holds us fast, ensuring that no matter how high the waves rise, we will not be overtaken. Life is rarely as calm as a swimming pool; it’s more often like the ocean, with its ebbs and flows, its moments of fear and uncertainty. Yet, in the midst of it all, God’s promises stand firm.
The prophet Micah, in chapter 7, paints a picture of a world in chaos: finances failing, leaders corrupt, communities fractured, families feuding, and friends turning into foes. It’s a world that feels all too familiar. But Micah’s response is not despair. Instead, he declares, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” This is the posture of faith—choosing to fix our eyes on God, not on the chaos around us. It’s about aspiration—who we are watching—and anticipation—what we are waiting for.
Aspiration means intentionally focusing on God, even when distractions and disruptions come. Just as one might be engrossed in watching a game, tuning out everything else, we are called to fix our gaze on the One who is in control. Anticipation is about expecting God to move, to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. We are not called to wait for the negative, but to expect God’s goodness, to believe that He will turn things around.
Micah’s message is clear: don’t let the darkness define you. God always inserts light into dark places, and you are that light in your family, your workplace, your community. Don’t live under the labels others have placed on you; God calls you major, even if the world calls you minor. When everything around you seems to be failing, remember that God is still working, still keeping His promises. Praise Him not just for what He’s done, but for what He’s promised to do. Choose today to trust the promise keeper, to praise Him in advance, and to believe that your latter days will be greater than your former.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Promises Hold Firm Amid Life’s Chaos
No matter how turbulent or uncertain life becomes, God’s promises remain unshakable. Like Micah, we may find ourselves surrounded by disappointment, betrayal, or loss, but our hope is not anchored in circumstances—it is anchored in the character of God, who never fails to keep His word. Even when everything else gets an “F,” God’s faithfulness gets an “A.” [01:20:55]
- Fix Your Eyes on God, Not the Distractions
Aspiration is about choosing who you watch. In a world filled with distractions, negativity, and constant noise, it’s easy to lose focus. But when you intentionally fix your gaze on God—like a fan watching a game, undistracted by commercials or phone calls—you align your desires with His, and your perspective shifts from fear to faith. [01:23:25]
- Anticipate God’s Goodness, Not Just the Worst
Anticipation shapes our experience. Too often, we brace ourselves for disappointment because of past hurts or the failures of others. But faith calls us to expect God’s goodness, to believe that He will do what He said, and to prepare our hearts for His blessings—even before they arrive. Don’t let negative expectations rob you of hope; anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises. [01:25:30]
- Your Identity Is Defined by God, Not by Labels
Micah was called a “minor” prophet, but his message was major. People may try to define you by your past, your mistakes, or your limitations, but God sees your potential and purpose. Refuse to live under the labels others have placed on you; instead, embrace the identity and calling God has spoken over your life. [01:16:00]
- Praise Precedes the Breakthrough
True faith praises God not just after the victory, but before it arrives. Micah teaches us to worship in the waiting, to celebrate God’s faithfulness even when we’re still in the struggle. When you praise God for the promise, you invite His presence and power into your situation, and you declare your trust in His ability to turn things around. [01:36:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[59:07] - Opening Praise and Gratitude
[01:06:46] - The Beach Story: Trusting the Promise Keeper
[01:10:30] - Life’s Waves and God’s Steadfastness
[01:13:00] - Micah’s World: Chaos and Disappointment
[01:16:00] - Breaking Free from Labels
[01:20:55] - When Everything Fails: Trusting God
[01:23:25] - Aspiration: Fixing Your Eyes on God
[01:25:30] - Anticipation: Expecting God’s Move
[01:29:00] - Praising God in Advance
[01:32:00] - Jesus: The Ultimate Promise Keeper
[01:36:00] - The Power of Preemptive Praise
[01:39:00] - Youth Ministry and God’s Promises
[01:42:23] - Invitation to Christ and Prayer
[01:49:14] - Closing Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Praise for the Promise Keeper”
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### Bible Reading
Micah 7:1-7 (NIV)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Micah 7:1-6, what are some of the specific problems Micah describes in his community and family?
2. According to verse 7, what is Micah’s response to all the chaos and disappointment around him?
3. In the sermon, what was the difference between “pool water” and “ocean water,” and how did the pastor use this to describe life? [[01:06:46]]
4. What does the pastor say about the labels “major” and “minor” prophets, and how does this relate to our own identity? [[01:16:00]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Micah chooses to “watch in hope for the Lord” instead of focusing on the problems around him? What does this say about his faith?
2. The pastor talks about “aspiration” (who you watch) and “anticipation” (what you’re waiting for). How do these two ideas work together in the life of faith? [[01:23:25]]
3. The sermon says, “Don’t live under the labels others have placed on you; God calls you major, even if the world calls you minor.” How does this perspective challenge the way we see ourselves and others? [[01:16:00]]
4. The pastor says, “True faith praises God not just after the victory, but before it arrives.” Why is it important to praise God in advance, and how might this change our attitude during hard times? [[01:36:00]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor described life as more like the ocean than a swimming pool—unpredictable and sometimes scary. Can you share a recent “ocean wave” moment in your life? How did you experience God’s faithfulness during that time? [[01:06:46]]
2. Micah chose to fix his eyes on God instead of the chaos. What are some distractions or “commercials” in your life that keep you from focusing on God? What is one step you can take this week to “change the channel” and focus on Him? [[01:23:25]]
3. The sermon talked about anticipating God’s goodness, not just bracing for the worst. Are there areas in your life where you tend to expect disappointment? How can you start expecting God’s goodness instead? [[01:25:30]]
4. Have you ever felt defined by a negative label—something someone said about you, or a mistake you made? How does knowing that God calls you “major” help you see yourself differently? [[01:16:00]]
5. The pastor encouraged us to praise God before the breakthrough comes. What is one promise of God you are waiting on right now? How can you praise Him for it this week, even before you see it happen? [[01:36:00]]
6. Micah’s world was full of disappointment, but he still chose hope. Who in your life needs to see that kind of hope and light from you right now? How can you be that light this week?
7. The sermon said, “God always inserts light into dark places, and you are that light.” What is one practical way you can bring hope or encouragement to your family, workplace, or community this week?
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Devotional
Day 1: God Is Our Promise Keeper
Even when life feels like ocean waves tossing us up and down, God remains steadfast and faithful to His promises, holding us securely and ensuring we do not drown in our fears or circumstances. No matter how uncertain or overwhelming things may seem, you can trust that God will not let you fall, fail, or be overtaken by sadness, because He is the ultimate promise keeper who supplies every need, heals every hurt, and lifts you up when you are low. [01:06:46]
Micah 7:1-7 (NIV)
1 What misery is mine! I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster of grapes to eat, none of the early figs that I crave.
2 The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains. Everyone lies in wait to shed blood; they hunt each other with nets.
3 Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire—they all conspire together.
4 The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. The day God visits you has come, the day your watchmen sound the alarm. Now is the time of your confusion.
5 Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips.
6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel like you’re being tossed by the waves? How can you trust God to hold you steady in that area today?
Day 2: Fix Your Eyes on God
When everything around you seems to be falling apart—finances, relationships, community, or even your own household—God calls you to fix your eyes on Him, not on the chaos, and to focus your hope on the One who is in control. By intentionally watching God and not being distracted by the negativity or disruptions around you, your desires and aspirations are shaped by His promises, and you are able to experience peace and direction even in the midst of turmoil. [01:23:25]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Reflection: What distractions are pulling your focus away from God right now, and what practical step can you take today to fix your eyes back on Him?
Day 3: Anticipate God’s Goodness
God invites you not just to hope, but to actively anticipate His goodness, expecting Him to come through on His promises even when you don’t see the answer yet. Instead of waiting for the next negative thing to happen, shift your anticipation to what God is able to do, believing that He will work all things together for your good and that your latter days will be greater than your former days. [01:27:40]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Reflection: What is one promise of God you are waiting on? How can you express anticipation for His goodness in that area today?
Day 4: Praise Before the Breakthrough
True faith is not waiting until you see the answer before you praise God; it’s choosing to praise Him now, in the middle of your struggle, because you trust that He will do what He said. When you praise God for the promise, not just the present, you invite His power into your situation and declare your confidence that He will turn things around, even if you’re still in your “verses 1 through 6” season. [01:34:55]
Psalm 34:1 (ESV)
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Reflection: What is one area where you need to offer God praise today, even though you haven’t seen the breakthrough yet?
Day 5: You Are Not Defined by Your Past or Labels
Just as Micah was called a “minor prophet” but delivered a major message, you are not defined by the labels others place on you or by your past mistakes; God sees your true worth and has a purpose for your life that is greater than any limitation. When you remember that God looks beyond your faults and calls you “major,” you can walk in confidence, knowing that He is making you into who you are meant to be and that your story is not over. [01:16:10]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Reflection: What label or limitation have you allowed to define you? How can you embrace God’s view of you and step into your “major” calling today?
Quotes
I do believe that the life we live, the world we're in, is much more like ocean water filled with waves that are often causing us to be tossed up and down. It's ebbs and flows. I wish life was like pool water that was just flat. You could get in and get out. But if you know, like I know, on any given day, there's a wave that could overtake you. There's a splashing that could almost cause you sadness. There are moments where you too are being asked to do more and go further, only to have to wrestle with this fear of what will happen or the uncertainty of the ground that is under you. [01:08:19]
If you can hang in there, hold on, my grandmama said, to God's unchanging hand, we have a promise keeper who will not let you drown. That's the whole message today. It is a reminder that in this life, you will be beckoned to go forward. You'll be asked to go a little bit further. God is calling you to do a little bit more. God has graced you so that you can keep on going. He's giving mercy for every mistake so that there's more he's got to pull out of you. All you've got to do is extend a little bit and hold on because we serve a promise keeper who will not let you fail. [01:08:56]
He will not let you fall. He will not let what seems to be sadness overtake you. He will not let the world win over you. He will not let more happen to you than he's able to handle. He will not let sickness take you out when he in fact is a healer. He will not let you lack more than what you need because he supplies every one of your needs. He will not allow loneliness to cause you to feel as if you are not enough because he is a friend that is closer than a brother. He will not allow the world to seem greater than who he is. For greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. [01:09:32]
If in fact he is a promise maker and he is a promise keeper, you do not have to base your praise on what you can see in the present because a promise is not given to you based on what's happening now. A promise is based on what he's getting ready to do later. And since I know he made the promise and I know he is a promise keeper, you do not have to wait until you get it before you praise him for it. [01:11:07]
I just believe that god has not brought us this far to leave us he has not brought you this far to abandon you he has not brought you this far to let you stay low we serve a god who is the lifter of your hair we serve the god who's able to make crooked places straight we serve a god who's able to make sure that even when you fall you get back up again we serve a god who is a promise keeper. [01:12:08]
Things around me don't always seem good but I still believe god is. Things around me don't always feel the best but I still have my faith in god. Things come on things around me don't always make me smile but I still trust and live and lean on a god who's able to make all. [01:13:55]
You do not have to live with the labels that people place on you just because he had a little to say in the book doesn't mean he didn't have a lot to declare just because the book was short didn't mean he couldn't stand tall just because he's considered minor didn't mean he doesn't have a major message. [01:16:36]
You are not what you have done. You are what God is making you. Look at somebody say, I'm still major. [01:18:12]
What do you do when you can't depend on your finances and you can't depend on the faith and you can't depend on the facilitators and you can't depend on the fellowship and you can't depend on the friends and you can't depend on the family. What do you do when everything around you, if it were a school, gets an F for what it's trying to do? How do you handle life when everything around you seems to be falling apart? [01:19:42]
He says, and while all of that is happening, for me, I've got my hope in the Lord. He says, while all of that is going on right now, I'm still waiting on God's salvation. [01:21:41]
Some men are trusting in horses and some men are trusting in chariots. But because I trust in God, I just believe everything is going to work out. All right. [01:22:13]
When life around you gets an F, you ought to have aspiration. Somebody shout aspiration. It's real quick aspiration. Notice what he says in verse, in verse seven. He says, what I'm trying to do with everything going around, around me falling apart. He says, what I'm doing is I am watching with hope. That's what he says. He says, I'm looking for something. I'm watching, but I'm watching God. [01:23:33]
The goal of being able to connect to the promise keeper is not being so consumed by what you see and who you see, but it's making sure that you're focused on who God is. Because if you can focus on who God is.is you won't be concerned about everything else. [01:24:37]
You can't watch all of the negative and the positive at the same time you can't watch the booze more than you read your bible you can't watch god and then try to fix it all you got to keep your eyes so come on look at your neighbor say you gotta watch god watch god because when you watch god here's what happens watching god ships your desires to what god would have for you to get. [01:27:28]
Anticipation is making sure you're waiting on the right what it's real simple aspiration who you're watching anticipation what you're waiting for aspiration who you focus on anticipation what are you expecting to happen aspiration who is in control anticipation anticipation what do you believe he's able to do. [01:29:11]
You must remember just because it happens to you does not mean it has to happen because it happened to others doesn't mean it has to happen to you. You're waiting for the crime to take place on your street because it happened in your city. But can I tell you that he has built headers of protection all around you. [01:31:19]
We serve a God who is able to conquer the evil. We serve a God who is able to destroy what the devil tried to do. We serve a God who will take what the devil meant for evil and work it out for your good. [01:32:07]
The key is not waiting until it turns around. But the key is learning to give God praise before the turn begins. I said the key is not waiting until you feel better. The key is lifting up the one hand that you can raise until you feel better. The key is not waiting until the bank account is on overflow. The key is learning how to give the little that you already have. [01:34:43]
If it could be done in two days, if they could choose people they were going to follow in two days, if they could choose what direction they were going to go in two days, then it ought not take you a long time to figure out who you will follow. You might have things falling apart around you, but can I tell you that today is the day that you ought to go ahead and choose who you shall follow. [01:36:52]
Since he got up, since he's alive, I just believe that he will keep his promise. Because I heard him say that if you tear down the temple, in three days, we'll raise it up again. And he did just what he said he would do. And if he did it before, I dare you to turn to your neighbor and say he's able to do it again. [01:38:39]
We're not saying that these six verses aren't happening to you we're not even suggesting that it's not possible for you to have moments of fear what we are saying is that if you ever decide to start praising god for the promise not just waiting to praise him because of your presence he will change everything. [01:41:53]
Can I tell you that your latter days are going to be greater than your former days that what is ahead is better than what has been and you can get ready for it right now so how do you do it first you got to say I believe Jesus Christ I believe he lived I believe he died I believe he rose again if you can say that in this moment you are saved. [01:45:41]
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