“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; 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. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19, emphasis mine)
As I was contemplating all the mess of the budget crisis, this verse, a favorite of mine, came to mind again. There have been many times in my life when I have used this to remind myself that no matter what my circumstances, I can still choose to rejoice because of who my God is and what He can do.
It really does come down to choice. And there are times when it is downright HARD to choose to rejoice, especially when faced with a crisis or debilitating grief. I think the key in this verse to being able to make that choice is the phrase, “The Sovereign Lord is my strength.”
In our own strength we cannot choose. But with Him AS our strength, just maybe we can.
Have a joy-filled week my friends!
Leave a Reply