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
The prophet Habakkuk did not serve God because of what God could give him. His service was given because he personally knew God-the Sovereign Lord of the universe. For that reason alone, the Lord is worthy of praise and honor. Even though God’s judgement was coming on Judah and they would certainly experience suffering and loss, Habakkuk chose to rejoice in the Lord. God would be his Savior and unfailing source of strength. He also knew beyond a doubt that a portion of God’s faithful people would the Babylonian invasion, and he was confident that those who lived by faith in God would finally be victorious. And we should have the same confidence today, because we know how the story ends. We know that Satan and the forces of evil have already been defeated, and we have this promise, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Today’s Bible Readings:
Deuteronomy 5-6, Luke 7:11-35, Psalm 68:19-35 and Proverbs 11:29-31