Habakkuk 3:17-19

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.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
    he enables me to tread on the heights.

For Meditation

Life can be tough, and days may bring pain and sadness. Sometimes things don’t go as hoped, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Hard times come, but your response shapes your attitude, especially as a child of God. God gives you each day to live and enjoy (Psa. 118:24).

Choose, therefore, to rejoice today as a child of God. Rejoice with confidence, acting on your secure hope in Christ. Place your trust in Him and take steps each day, knowing He will work everything out for your good and for His purpose. (Rm. 8:28).

Maybe this world has offered you only pain, sorrow, disappointments, and many troubles—like financial problems that are destroying your home, other relational stresses and social constraints, and you’ve almost lost hope. Don’t! Your attitude should be like the prophet Habakkuk and declare with him that:

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 (Habakkuk 3:17).  

Then, go out and boldly thank the Lord for His goodness. His love lasts forever, and His grace reaches every generation, especially to those who trust Him.

Determine to live each day as if it is Christmas—sharing the good news of the Savior’s birth and spreading joy as the angels did with the shepherds (Luke 2:10).

Hold fast to the joy of the third day, when the women heard the angel say, “He is not here. He is risen!” (Mk 16:16).

Let both compel you to trust that your Lord is with you through every storm and will never leave or forsake you (Heb. 13:6).

Arise, therefore, with joy and declare amid the chaos and emptiness that:

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
   He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
   He enables me to tread on the heights (Habakkuk 3:19).

Open your heart to Jesus so His Spirit can refresh and strengthen you. Let your happiness lift others as you praise Christ our Lord. Amen!

Shalom

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for my joy, even with troubles and money worries around me. I trust You to make my life new in Christ by Your Holy Spirit in me. Amen.

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