Habakkuk 3:17-18: "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, 18. yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." (NIV)
When I read this passage this morning, I wrote in the margin of my Bible: "God is not held captive by our circumstances." How did Habakkuk come to this conclusion? It was not without some struggle and agonizing of soul that he came to this optimistic conclusion. The Book of Habakkuk is a kind of "running argument," or discussion between the prophet and God. Habakkuk wondered why God would use a cruel and idolatrous nation like Babylon to punish Judah. God's reasons for doing things escaped him. Let's be honest here, we often feel this way ourselves. We think that because we try to obey God in daily life, go to church and love people, we should have a trouble-free life. Get this down: There is no such thing as a trouble-free life! "Into every life some rain must fall." A close reading of the Bible will tell us that this is true. For example, when God called Paul to become the minister to the Gentiles, he was told, first, what he must suffer in this ministry. We get sick, have financial problems, suffer drought and pain just like everybody else. Then, what is the advantage of being a Christian and serving God? The answer is in our title: "God Is not Held Captive by Our Circumstances." This is basically what Habakkuk wrote in the verses under consideration here. He knew, as we must come to know, that God's well-being is not wrapped up in our circumstances. He will still be God if everything falls down around us. That is where rejoicing comes from. We know that the One on Whom we lean is steadfast and sure. He is with us in our suffering and in our pain. In the familiar verse, Psalm 23:4, David wrote this: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." David knew that he must face dark days, just like everyone else. The difference was that he was aware of, and depending on, the presence of the Almighty God. When we are "down and out," the Lord is not. He is present with us in our suffering. When hard times come, we can still rejoice in the Lord, because we know that He is aware of what we are going through and is present with us giving us the strength to go on. Before Jesus ascended to the Father, He promised that He would be with His people always. He did not say, "You will have no problems." He said, "I will be with you." Rejoice in His presence and remember that "all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose." ( Romans 8:28) Bro. Joe
1 Comment
Olen Cain
8/14/2012 04:12:15 am
this is some good stuff!!!!
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