Scripture Text: Habakkuk 3:16-19
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. s they sped, at the flash of your glittering spear.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Try some blueberries! Scientists at the University of Reading in England have found that adding blueberries to a regular diet helps improve memory. It increases memory capacity and can even reverse memory loss. The key is flavonoids, which are known to boost the part of the brain that controls learning and memory. The researchers are planning to investigate next whether these findings might help people with Alzheimer's disease.
The Israelites could have used some blueberries in their diet, at least to judge from how frequently they forgot about all the incredible things God had done for them. Habakkuk was so overcome by the memory that his heart pounded and his legs trembled (v. 16). This physical picture shows a combination of awe—God's deeds are amazing and overwhelming—and holy fear—God's power and wrath are about to punish Judah's sins in the same ways as described in this chapter—as well as eagerness for the day when the prophesied judgment would be past and God would gather and restore His people.
Verses 17 and 18 are perhaps the best-known and best-loved verses in the book, and seem more relevant than ever in these difficult economic times. They are an unequivocal statement of faith in God despite circumstances. Things are as bad as they can possibly be. The trees do not bud, the crops do not ripen, and the livestock are dead. A modern paraphrase might read: “Though the cupboard be bare, the bills coming due, my car and house repossessed, and no jobs in town, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
To be clear: this isn't “grit your teeth and hang on” mentality, nor does it ignore the reality of the situation. Instead, this is joy! The bottom line is not circumstances but God (v. 19). He is our source of confidence and strength, the only Rock on which we can rely.
Reflect
1. Are you having trouble remembering things?
2. Are you struggling to rejoice in the Lord because your situation seems overwhelming?
Remember
This kind of hope and joy and faith is supernatural; we cannot bring it up out of ourselves on our own. God doesn't promise to sweep our problems under the rug, nor does He promise “health and wealth” to His followers. But He does promise to be faithful, and He promises to be with us. He has given us His Holy Spirit, who comforts us and enables us to look at the very real trials of life and still be joyful in God through Christ our Savior.
Dear readers, being in Christ is a promise of God’s ever presence, source of joy and strength. In Him, the promise of God’s grace abounds.
Read
Psalm 46:1-5; John 14; 1 Peter 4:12-13; Philippians 4:13
Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord, this world and in this life may put me in a situation that I can’t see what is beyond; circumstances may sometimes be so overwhelming that can lead to confusion, doubt or fear. Please always make me remember the truth that You are my Father, who promised to be faithful and be present with me. I know I have the Holy Spirit in me and beside me. Make me trust You fully. This I pray in Your Son’s name, Jesus Christ, Amen.
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