Habakkuk’s Hope—Day 5
Habakkuk 3: 17, 18
“Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord.”
We conclude this week’s devotional being reminded of Habakkuk’s attitude toward the unavoidable economic troubles coming his way. His attitude was more than toughing it out or hanging in there. Habakkuk’s mind was made up to be joyful despite the impending economic disaster.
“Habakkuk exhibited the kind of relationship with God which enjoyed the divine Person more than the things he could do for the prophet. He put God above the fray of life, rejoicing in him and worshiping him regardless of the circumstances.”[1]
There is something about enjoying the Lord that fortifies us against life’s set-backs, disappointments, and even experiencing a major loss of practical stability.
Life brings challenges that go along with securing financial stability. However, I have personally discovered that it is possible to have peace even without many provisions. My wife and I have had our share of enjoying life together despite the absence of certain comforts and amenities. I can recall lean days; yet, there was something about her company that eased the sting of our financial instability.
As I have continued to grow in my relationship with the Lord, I am learning that enjoying his presence does so much more for us than material security.
We all have a choice to make when faced with a challenging situation. The question is, will we allow the situation to handle us or will we handle the situation?
There is no way to escape some troubles; nevertheless, because of our hope in God, we can escape much emotional, psychological, physical and even spiritual strain that often arises from losing stability.
Perhaps our lives would not be as stressful if we would learn to see life as Habakkuk did. Life for him was about God—not what he had—Who had him.
Question: During those difficult days in life do you know who’s got you? Or, are you trying to carry yourself through those difficult days?
If we lose economic stability and lose focus on God—we lose our way. However, to lose economic stability and maintain our focus on God allows us to continue to gain ground and get ahead.
In spite of what may be lost, we must choose to praise God.
Until next week, God bless you.
Lord, today we choose to rejoice in you no matter what we go through, Amen.
[1] Barker, K. L. (1999). Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Vol. 20, p. 376). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
