Agriculture was the primary source of income for ancient peoples. If drought visited the land and the crops failed, the people suffered and their prosperity was diminished. The field and the trees bear no fruit. The flocks might have to be sold or consumed for survival. Yet Habakkuk declared he would rejoice is such a season. This is so foreign to the prevailing philosophy in many circles today that the prophet would be ran out of town. How dare he make such a declaration? Because he knew the source of all that man has and holds and he had confidence God would provide. So when we go through a tough time and life is difficult, the best thing, in fact, the righteous action we should take, is to rejoice in the Lord and declare His goodness. This will open the windows of heaven for God to smile upon you and pour out peace in the middle of trouble. When all is going well for our soul, we should also rejoice and be thankful. God is our strength in all things. And where will He take us? To higher ground!
Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines;
though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
David adds:
For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip. Psalm 18:31-36
The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies.
You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name. Psalm 18:46-49
I suggest reading the entire chapter of Psalm 18. God is on our side!
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