Habakkuk 3:17-18

New International Version (NIV) 

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
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 God my Savior.

For meditation

I have often observed something interesting on my drive to work every day. The streets are lined with beggars. Some are entire families with children and nursing babies. Their entire lives depend on the kindness and generosity of motorist. What amazes me is their demeanor. They are always happy and almost carefree – particularly, the children. They play and have fun, while the mothers enjoy themselves chatting and feeding their babies. When I look at them and then I look at myself sitting in my car, grumpy and sulking, because my wife may have done something I didn’t appreciate, or a church member may have slighted me, I ask myself: “What is wrong with me?” How could they, who only have the hope of somebody’s compassionate gesture, be enjoying life, but I have chosen to be miserable?

The prophet Habakkuk discovered an eternal truth that cleared his vision in a similar situation. It is a truth we could embrace to carry us through our difficult days. After a dialogue with God about the sinful condition of his days and what God was going to do about it (Hab. 1:2-2:20), Habakkuk learned that true joy does not depend on external circumstances (17). It depends on an absolute trust in God and His faithfulness to save (18). With that cleared perspective, Habakkuk could rejoice. His joy was in nothing, but God, who is his savior.

Many times we allow our circumstances to dictate the way we feel about life. We permit our feelings to overshadow God’s faithfulness, and by so doing, we get lost in uncertainty. Fear sweeps hope away and leave us joyless. But circumstances should not dictate our feelings about life; for that is not where joy resides. Joy is found in one person, and His name is Jesus Christ. Those who put their trust in Him by building a strong, intimate relationship with Him can find hope in every situation and maintain a positive attitude through it all.

1. Yesterday you were high on the Lord and singing His praises; so what happened today?
2. Has God changed or moved residence?
3. Has God suddenly gone blind, deaf and dumb?
4. Why, then, have you conditioned your joy upon the circumstances you cannot control, but only God can?
5. Can you look to Jesus and trust Him to do just that? see how quickly your vision would clear?

I pray you’ll lift up God’s word – His faithful promises and remembrance of His mighty deeds of old – above your personal concerns and struggles and declare with Habakkuk, that “Though the fig tree does not bud … yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (17-18). That’s unconditional and unrestrained joy!

So: May your whole outlook about life be transformed, as you allow the Holy Spirit to minister the eternal truths of God to you; and, even though your circumstances may remain the same, may your attitude be renewed in Christ, as He reveals himself to you in your crisis!

Shalom