Figs might not grow on the fig trees,
and grapes might not grow on the vines.
Olives might not grow on the olive trees,
and food might not grow in the fields.
There might not be any sheep in the pens
or cattle in the barns.
But I will still be glad in the Lord
and rejoice in God my Savior.
What do you do when the test results come back and they’re not very encouraging? Or what do you do when you hear whispers of layoffs attached to your department? And What do you do when a close friend betrays you? What do you do when the circumstances of life are less than ideal? Can you find joy in the midst of difficulty?
The Old Testament prophet, Habakkuk, is one of my favorites. Habakkuk cried out to God and complained to Him because His people, the children of Israel, were breaking God’s laws. It was breaking Habakkuk’s heart. So, God told Habakkuk His plan to send the Babylonians to conquer His people as a corrective punishment for their sins. Habakkuk was aghast! The Babylonians?!? They were even worse! How could God use such a wicked people to teach His own people? In Habakkuk’s mind, it didn’t make any sense!
In chapter 3 of the book that bears his name, Habakkuk prays to God and comes to the realization that God is God and Habakkuk is not. In our verses for today, Habakkuk says that no matter what happens, he “will still be glad in the Lord and rejoice in God my Savior.” Despite the circumstances, Habakkuk would choose to rejoice. Yet, he didn’t rejoice in the circumstances. He rejoiced in the Savior.
Friend, when the circumstances are less than ideal, remember what Habakkuk said: “I will still be glad in the Lord and rejoice in God my Savior.” Do likewise. When you find out that you have a terminal illness or when your spouse breathes their last, rejoice in the Savior. When your children wander from the Lord or your finances are in shambles, rejoice in the Savior. When your friends abandon you or your car dies in the middle of the highway, rejoice in the Savior. Your circumstances will change, but your Savior will never change. Jesus is faithful.
By Shawn Cornett, Bible League International staff, United States
