Pinnacle of faith

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIRV)

The fig trees might not bud. The vines might not produce any grapes. The olive crop might fail. The fields might not produce any food. There might not be any sheep in the pens. There might not be any cattle in the barns. But I will still be glad because of what the Lord has done. God my Savior fills me with joy.

The book of Habakkuk explores the question of why and whether God permits evil to exist unpunished.  Just like in our day, Habakkuk was seeing evil people flourish and questioned God’s justice.  Basically, in chapter 1, Habakkuk was complaining to God.  God’s answers to these complaints are given in chapters 2 and 3.    

In Habakkuk 3:12-15 God’s cataclysmic judgments are described.  Habukkuk, in verses 16-17, shares his understanding of the meaning of God’s judgment. Such judgment means famine (fig trees, vines, olive crop, fields are all unproductive) and death (no sheep or cattle).  In recent past, and, for many, current economic crisis, many people might easily identify with Habakkuk’s observation of limited, failing, and loss of resources.    

However, in verse 18, Habakkuk reached a pinnacle of faith.  Regardless of what might happen, regardless that he himself might be part of God’s coming judgment, he will express his gladness because of what the Lord has done.  No matter the circumstances he will rejoice, realizing that the joy he experiences comes from the Lord.

Note in this ancient passage that gladness and joy originate from the Lord.  Joy is true happiness. Human happiness depends on the “happening” and often what is happening in our lives is not joyful.  Many times in Scripture joy is used in the midst of difficulties we all experience because joy is the foundation for finding peace and contentment even in difficult times.  Biblical joy is peace of heart and mind that that comes from complete trust that God through Christ is in control of all circumstances, regardless how troublesome they might be, and will not leave nor forsake you.

Are you in a situation like Habakkuk where you see so much evil and don’t have the proper perspective like God would have?  Are you a complainer and, as such, tend to forget the grace and joy of the Lord?  Despite whatever negatives might be happening in your life, can you find a way, with the Lord’s help, to be glad and to be filled with joy? Spend some time reading and meditating not only on Habukkuk 3:17-19, but also other passages such as Psalm 23, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 40:10 and 40:31, and Philippians 4:1-13.