For though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit appears on the vine, Though the yield of the olive fails and the terraces produce no nourishment, Though the flocks disappear from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the LORD and exult in my saving God. Habakkuk 3:17-18 NABRE
The prophet Habakkuk has created a prayer, one that begins at the chapter beginning. The opening verses praise the Lord’s renown, what he has heard has been wonderful, he particularly points out the Lord’s mercy. The prophet writes of a vision of God appearing in majesty above the earth and the closing verses tell of the prophet’s reaction, reasserting trust in the Lord. In the quoted verses including the verse immediately preceding, the prophet writes of fear, he is trembling and is expecting trouble, all the signs indicate trouble; the fig tree does not blossom, there is no fruit on the vines, the olive production fails, the fields yield no food, the flock is cut off and there is no herd in the stalls. It is a profound lament, basically the cupboards are bare, and there is not money available. Yet, the true believer never loses hope, he presses on joyfully to the “high places,” trusting in God. The prophet proclaims certainty, a faith that enables him (and us) to look at everything in a new light. While everything looks the same it is somehow different, He recognizes God’s love and he is able to receive that love. No matter how life looks, what we have or don’t have, it is the love of God, and our trust in God that brings joy and a secure future.
We need to have our own prayer that is at the ready, declaring God as God, and no matter how we see things going or what signs of hardship may be in our lives, we are able to turn to the Lord in faith and know all will be well.
Do you have empty cupboards? Do you trust God?
We need to have our own prayer that is at the ready, declaring God as God, and no matter how we see things going or what signs of hardship may be in our lives, we are able to turn to the Lord in faith and know all will be well. Click To Tweet#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #well #song #Habakkuk #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways