“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 tread on the heights.”
Habakkuk 3:17-19
REFLECTION
Have you ever noticed the Bible gives us examples? It shows us how to react to everyday situations in life. Also tells us why we should react that way. Like in our passage today. It gives the example of the way Habakkuk reacted when there was no food, and no hope. Habakkuk chose to rejoice and be joyful, he knew the Lord gave him strength and equipped him.
I really had to practice this when I was in prison for four years. I had a choice. I could go around focusing on terrible food, no freedom and lack of family. Or I could make the best of these circumstances. I could focus on the programs, the amazing volunteers who sacrifice to bring us services, or the library, or the sports and activities. I know this sounds crazy if you haven’t actually been in that situation, but I am thankful today that the Lord set me down in prison and gave me that time to refocus and draw closer to Him.
Paul wrote most of his epistles from prison or in captivity. He made the most of the situation. He knew, just like Habakkuk, to rejoice because our strength comes from the Lord and He provides and equips us for anything we may face or go through. So, in good times and in bad, remember to REJOICE!
PRAYER
Father God, I thank you for the strength you give me, to get through and to rejoice in the good and bad times. I thank you for your Word that is instruction to help guide me through everyday situations. I thank you that you equip me. I decree and declare today that I will only focus on the positive in every situation in Jesus name. Amen.
This is an excerpt from our 30-day devotional, City Prayers Volume 2. You can view the digital version and download the PDF here or you can sign up for the daily email version here.