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Trusting God When Life Is Barren
Habakkuk 3:17-19
The key verse for today’s passage focuses on Habakkuk rejoicing in the Lord. (Habakkuk 3:18).
In verse 17, Habakkuk writes, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor the fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls.” In this verse, Habakkuk is lamenting over what could happen because of the nation’s disobedience. The fig tree was used to furnish much of the food that they eat, such as cakes of figs, drink, and other items. Habakkuk is illustrating his awareness that Israel’s prosperity was dependent on their obedience and loyalty to the covenant of God, and was painting a picture of what was coming due to their disobedience.
In Habakkuk 3:18, Habakkuk proclaims, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” For Habakkuk it was “God” himself and his interventions as “Savior” that motivated Habakkuk’s longing and his joy. Habakkuk’s faith was the revealed Word of God, as was Paul’s, “So, faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Habakkuk affirms His faith in the Lord when He writes, “God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; He makes me tread on my high places (Habakkuk 3:19). Habakkuk clarifies the source of his faith and strength in this powerful verse. Affirmation of God-given strength is also found in the Psalms, “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:1-2)
With everything that is going on in the world today, we can see what happens when you turn away from God and take your eyes off Him. We can see times of distress and turmoil. We can see the fear and the sadness that is experienced by people around us. Even though we are to maintain safety when around others, we can still feel their sadness. Habakkuk saw what was going to take place because of the people turning on God. He realized that it was going to affect everyone, even down to the animals.
We need to realize that what we say and what we do affects not only us but others as well. But we just need to realize that God is in control of all things, and we need to put our faith and trust in God and know that He will guide us through all things. We also need to rely on our fellow brothers and sisters for strength and help as we go through each day of life.
I pray that this will cause you to evaluate your relationship with God and take an inventory of your heart today. God is waiting for you.
God’s blessings on you today. Timothy Howells
