Bible Devotions for Living

This passage is one of my favorites in Scripture to lean on when things look bad:

¹⁷ Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls, ¹⁸ yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! ¹⁹ The Lord my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights! (Hab 3:17-19)

The context of Habakkuk chapter 3 is that Israel has been very sinful and the Babylonians will be coming soon to destroy and bring them into exile. Within that context, Habakkuk closes his prayer and book with the passage above. He recognized that even if there I no crops, no livestock, no food at all and a bleak outlook on the future … even then, he will celebrate and rejoice in the Lord!

He had a fantastic “No-matter-what” mentality when it came to trusting in and celebrating God. Whether things were great or beyond terrible, Habakkuk was going to rejoice in the Lord.

Wow!

That’s how I want to be. How about you?

Habakkuk didn’t throw a pity party. He didn’t sit around complain about his circumstances. He made the choice to focus on God and praise Him.

The next time you are facing a tough problem and things look really bad, remember there lessons from Habakkuk:

• Look at God not your problems: Instead of staring at the problem, look at God.
• Choose Joy: Rejoicing isn’t just a feeling; it’s a decision you make, regardless of the troubles ahead.
• Gain Strength: When you focus on God, He gives you strength. The verse says He makes your feet “like those of a deer” so you can walk on “mountain heights”. This means you can navigate tough situations without falling apart.

It’s about setting your mind on things that last forever, not the temporary stuff that’s here today and gone tomorrow:

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Col 3:1-2)

¹⁷ For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. ¹⁸ So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor 4:17-18)

So, whatever you’re facing today – failed crops, empty stalls, or just a rough week – choose to celebrate the Lord. Your joy isn’t determined by your circumstances; it’s determined by your Savior!

Rejoice in the Lord always! ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Php 4:4-7)