✝ Daily Encouragement (7/21/23) "Gleanings From Habakkuk" (Part 4) "Yet I Will Rejoice In The Lord"

Published: Fri, 07/21/23

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Friday, July 21, 2023

"Gleanings From Habakkuk"
(Part 4)
"Yet I Will Rejoice In The Lord"

Message summary: Today we consider the great statement of confidence and faith that concludes the rather obscure book of Habakkuk. We can read this as a promise for any events we might face and no matter what happens we will rejoice in the Lord.

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"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights” (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

A few weeks ago our ABF was studying the minor prophet Haggai and I (Brooksyne) came across a reference mentioning the fig tree mentioned in Haggai 2:19. An individual had recently given me a package of cut up figs and, since the only way I am familiar with figs is eating fig newtons, I looked for a recipe for fig newtons. Sure enough, I found one online and though it is considerable work I made a large batch of fig newtons to share with our class. Eating freshly baked fig newtons has now spoiled us and I've made two batches since then, and now the minor prophets come to mind when we're eating them.

Today let’s consider a reference to the fig tree in the great statement of confidence and faith that concludes the rather obscure book of Habakkuk. We can read this as a promise for any events we might face.

Habakkuk was written as Judah was about to be destroyed by the Babylonians and taken captive . The better known prophet during this time was Jeremiah. It was a very desperate time but God had a remnant of faithful as He always does.

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls." Since the economy was agriculturally based Habakkuk describes the equivalence of a devastating economic depression. Based on the wider context of the book (the pending judgment upon the nation of Judah), he’s describing a situation in which practically everything that can go wrong does, a “worst case scenario.”

Let us seek to provide commentary on this by using modern imagery such as "Though the nation slides farther and farther into moral anarchy and decadence, though it seems fewer and fewer people follow God, though my retirement savings deplete through inflation and the economy is tanking, though my health may fail, ... ." You can add your own troubles here.

But Habakkuk did not finish here which would have been a rather despairing ending to his book. Rather, he proclaims:

“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” What a tremendous resolve of faith. Twice he states the will to live in an attitude of joy (rejoice and be joyful) and in both cases the immutable (unchanging) source of that joy is expressed: the Lord, God my Savior.

Consider the resolve of those words, "yet I will". It conveys the sense of “in spite of” or “notwithstanding" or "whatever happens". Habakkuk was determined to keep his faith and joy in the Lord. He chose to experience the reservoir of deep abiding joy that is derived from his relationship with an unchanging God, rather than the inevitable, ever-changing circumstances in his life.

Jesus prayed to His Father in His final “High Priestly” prayer: “I am coming to You now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them” (John 17:13).

As we look back over the timeline of our lives we recall that which was enjoyable and that which was a trial. There are ongoing issues that we carry through life. But our struggles are somewhat minimal compared to those who have faced great loss, some have been devastated by destructive earthquakes, deadly tornadoes, natural disasters, wars or those living in persecuted lands. For many years our brethren in Nigeria and many other countries have seen fierce and deadly persecution from the Muslims. Considering their plight and praying for them keeps difficulties that I am experiencing in perspective.

Nevertheless some of you are dealing with a trial and doubtless for some it’s a very hard one. Today and through our life, let us quote Habakkuk and make this our own personal victorious declaration: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights” (3:19).

The phrase "yet I will" brought to mind a newer song that is also a response to trials titled, "Yes I Will". We'll post a link to a video below. Consider this refrain as you place your trust in the Lord and sing for joy:

Yes I will, lift You high in the lowest valley
Yes I will, bless Your name
Oh, yes I will, sing for joy when my heart is heavy
For all my days, oh, yes I will

Be encouraged today, ( Hebrews 3:13)

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we’re reminded by Habakkuk that our deep abiding joy is not derived from abundance in provisions nor even the people in our life. But rather our joy comes from You as we choose to rejoice in You, whether our pantry is overflowing or bare. We rejoice in knowing that You are our strength who enables us to descend the rigorous, steep terrain. When we reach the height of the mountain we can look back at the disappointments and hardships we climbed through as You made our feet sure-footed like those of a deer. Keep us steadily faithful through the climb as we once again affirm our faith in You, Sovereign Lord, and rejoice in the work You are accomplishing in our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Yes I Will" Click to watch on YouTube Vertical Worship

Yesterday we picked our first 2023 home-grown tomato!

This year we are growing them in a raised bed right on our deck so we have been watching and waiting!

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