"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 go on the heights" (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

We are getting some wonderful rain these last several days and we are so thankful. It has been very dry for several months and living in a rural area we are especially mindful of the effects on agriculture. Although we've had some flooding in our area the negative consequences of nature has been very minor. I consider this last weekend the devastating earthquake in southern Asia and, although lesser reported, the mudslides in Guatemala. Our prayers go out for these people and for the relief efforts, especially those who minister in His Name.

Today let us consider the great statement of confidence and faith that concludes the rather obscure book of Habakkuk.  Since the economy was agriculturally based he describes the equivalence of a severe economic depression.  Based on the wider context of the book (the impending judgment upon the nation of Judah) I believe he's describing a situation in which everything that can go wrong does, a "worst case scenario."

What response does he have during such times?  Twice he states the will to live in an attitude of joy and in both cases the immutable source of that joy is expressed: "yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." 

Consider the little word "yet."  It conveys the sense of "in spite of" or "notwithstanding."  Habakkuk was determined to keep his faith in the Lord, and experience the joy, even though what he saw all around him was falling apart.

Jesus prayed to His Father in His final "High Priestly" prayer: "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them" (John 17:13). 

Today, what are you going through?  For most of you it doesn't compare with those in the areas devastated by the earthquake in southern Asia or the mudslides in Guatemala.  But some of you are dealing with a trial and doubtless for some readers it's a very serious trial. Today, let us declare with Habakkuk that "the Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights" (3:19). 

When morning falls on the farthest hill, I will sing His name.
I will praise Him still.
When the dark trials come
And my heart is filled with the weight of doubt,
I will praise Him still.
For the Lord, our God, He is strong to save
From the arms of death, from the deepest grave.
And He gave us life in His perfect will;
And by His good grace I will praise Him still. *


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's Prayer – Lord Jesus, Habakkuk reminds me that my joy is not derived from my abundant provisions.  But rather my joy comes from God my Savior as I choose to rejoice in Him whether or not my pantry is overflowing.  I rejoice in knowing that You are my strength as You enable me to descend the rigorous, steep terrain toward the victorious mountaintop.  At the height of the mountain I can look back at the disappointments and hardships I climbed through as You made my feet sure-footed like those of a deer.  I once again affirm my faith in You, my Sovereign Lord, and rejoice in the work You are accomplishing in my life. 

Here's an article about the mudslides in Guatemala. We have a special heart for this country since we have done mission work there and that is where Ester is from. As best as I can determine the mudslides were in an area we had driven through many years ago. I recall our Guatemalan host was driving and we were terrified as he sped through the mountains!
 
Follow-up:

Monday I shared concerning a yoga session our daughter is being exposed to in public school. Here is an interesting website on this matter. This page particularly is very insightful. 

Yesterday I mentioned a TV show I had briefly come across that ridiculed Christians and blasphemed the Bible. A reader wrote that it was a scene from a WB show called "Reba"
 
Another reader reminded me and I pass on to you the importance of praying for those who are standing up against the onslaught of evil. He specifically mentioned an effort in his state (Maine) but I realize that in so many places this is needed. Indeed regardless of where we live we need to continue to pray "deliver us from evil" both on the personal level and on the societal.

* "I Will Praise Him Still" Fernando Ortega © 1997 Dayspring Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) / MargeeDays Music (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 2005306