“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 3:17-18 (NIV)
What stipulations do you put on happiness? We often set up parameters that determine whether or not we will rejoice. We must be liked. We must be successful. We must have the right kind of car, house, clothes or social status before we can really find happiness. But what happens if those things that we feel are so important to “who we are” are taken away from us? What if we lose our job or a friendship fails or we face bankruptcy? What if we are falsely accused of something or our friends turn on us? Then what happens to our peace and joy?
Somehow Habakkuk found the secret. It was in his relationship with God. He was able to rejoice in Him no matter what. He had committed himself to God. When trouble began to brew, he was able to trust in that commitment. When times were at their worst, his trust allowed him to find joy in the painful situations. This joy came from a deep, trusting relationship with God. Listen to what he said, “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.”
This didn’t happen by accident. Habakkuk had developed a relationship with God that he could return to over and over again.
Today begin with trust. Trust Him with everything you have and everything you need. Trust Him with today, tomorrow and the future. Then, when you need it, just like Habakkuk, your trust will help you return to joy. Father, help me to trust You in all things. Help me to put my hope in You. Help me to rejoice in You no matter what happens.
Today’s cup of java is a Kenyan blend, brewed by Duncan Otieno.