Today’s Encouragement is, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT
Yet I Will Rejoice –
The author describes complete devastation of the land, financial ruin, and even likely starvation! And then declares, “Even so, I’m still going to rejoice! I’m choosing, even in my miserable circumstances, to be joyful!”
Most of us quickly admit, we would have a tough time doing that! We’ve all experienced major setbacks, challenges, even great tragedies at times… and rejoicing was not our response! Instead, we question ourselves, question God, blame others, and wallow in our misery, pain, and despair.
However, we do have a choice. Always. The choice as to how we respond, how we choose to live our lives in the present, incredibly difficult circumstances is still ours to decide! We always have a choice!
Yesterday, we considered our great blessings, especially God’s gift of Eternal Life, and that gift can never be stolen by our painful circumstances! And my friend, because we have that blessing, through faith in Jesus, nothing else matters!
Thank You, Father, for an eternal perspective, which allows us, while immersed in the present sufferings, to rejoice in You! To honor You with grateful hearts for Your gift of Eternal Life with Christ!
Joyfully
Kari Jobe