Habakkuk 3
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in the God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18
Habakkuk knows God is going to send justice and it’s going to be nasty. Even so, we see movement in Habakkuk’s heart. He starts out not sure he can trust God but transitions to declaring trust in him even if they get totally devastated. This comes at the conclusion of his lament. Prayers of lament pour out our frustration and pain to God, ask for his deliverance and surrender to him in trust. Habakkuk deeply trusts and rejoices in God regardless of the circumstances.
Joy is not necessarily a response to unenjoyable circumstances. Joy can be the response of trust—the belief that God is working in, through and around a situation. James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Ultimately, joy is linked to trust. Watch the clip below as Senior Pastor Jeff Manion reminds us of this truth.
You may find yourself in some challenging circumstances. Even so, we trust in the goodness of God and rejoice in him. This isn’t a one-time act but a process as we continually surrender our pain to God. So, to help you today, write out Habakkuk 3.17-18 from above on a 3×5 card or piece of paper. Place it somewhere you’ll see over and over as you’re reminded that God is good and faithful and will never leave us nor forsake us.
