If and when there are no “fig buds, grapes, olives, sheep, or cattle… even then I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength…” (Hab.3:17-19). Indeed, Abba’s “joy is our strength” (Neh.8:10), “Jesus’ righteousness” is our peace (Rom.3:22), and the “Spirit’s sealing” is our guarantee of an eternity of beauty and perfection “beyond what any eye has seen, ear has heard, or mind has imagined” (Eph.1:13; 1Cor.2:9)
Heavenly Father, thank you for making this so clear in your Word: Between Jesus’ resurrection and return, we will experience both “inexpressible, glorious joy” (1Pet.1:8), and circumstances that make us loudly cry, “How long, O Lord?” We shouldn’t be shocked at how wonderful and how hard life can get—sometimes in the same week, or day. Delight and Despair are not mutually exclusive.
You began a “good work” in us—and all creation, that you will complete (Phil.1:6). Until then, nothing will separate us from your love, catch you off guard, or alter your eternal plans for any-and–everything. So here’s our Habakkuk-like prayer:
- When grace doesn’t feel sufficient and life is harder than the Gospel is sweet—we will worship and trust you, Abba.
- Though people fail us, evil laughs at us, and your timetable makes zero sense to us—even then, we will love and look to you.
- When our own brokenness and weaknesses mock us—especially then, we will listen to your Spirit telling our spirits we are “belovedly” yours (Rom.8:16)
- In the seasons when “mystery” is riding shotgun in the passenger’s seat, and our “peace” is buried somewhere in the trunk—we will collapse on Jesus, “inwardly groan, and eagerly wait” (Rom.8:23).
SO VERY AMEN