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
Habakkuk faced a grim reality. He knew devastation was coming – an invasion that would strip away every source of sustenance and security. No figs, no grapes, no olives, no grain, no livestock. Everything his people depended on would be gone. Yet in this moment of profound loss, Habakkuk made a bold choice: to rejoice in the Lord. His faith wasn’t anchored in his circumstances, but in the unchanging nature of God, his Savior.
Some of us may find ourselves reading today’s devotional completely unaware that trouble might be on the horizon. Maybe it’s a bill waiting in the mailbox that we have no way of paying. Or a pink slip from our employer lying on our desk. Or perhaps a recent medical test result that our doctor urgently needs to talk with us about.
Of course, we pray that all news is good news. But unfortunately, sometimes it’s not. What is our response when life suddenly seems dark and uncertain? The temptation is to let fear or despair take over, to focus on our circumstances. But Habakkuk’s response should challenge us to lift our eyes to the One who remains faithful. God is still sovereign, still good, and still our Savior, even when the world around us seems to be crumbling.
I don’t know about you, but I sure could use some of Habakkuk’s faith. His wasn’t some sort of blind optimism. No, his faith was a deliberate act of trust. It was like he was telling God, “There’s nothing you can do that would take away my joy that I have in You, Lord.” He chose joy. Despite all of the pain and suffering that he knew was coming, he chose to have joy because of who he knew God to be. He believed God could carry His people through judgment to deliverance – and He can do the same for you and me. No matter what lies ahead, we can trust that God is with us, working all things out for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
Take a moment today to reflect on your current circumstances. Are there areas where you feel uncertain or afraid? Like Habakkuk, name those challenges – whatever they are – then make the choice to shift your focus to God. Declare your trust in Him, even if the “fig trees” of your life aren’t budding. Write down one truth about God’s character (He is faithful, He cares about me, He knows exactly what I need, He loves me..) and let that truth anchor your heart today.
Rejoice in the Lord, dear Christian! Not because everything is perfect, but because God is perfectly trustworthy. He will carry us through.
Former Blackout Artist 