“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… I will rejoice in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength” (Hab.3:17-19)—“my portion and my double portion” (Lam.3:24, Isa.61:7), “my peace and my joy” (Eph.2:14, Ps.16:11).
Lord Jesus, thank you for including Habakkuk’s faith-struggle in your Word. Some of us were wrongly taught if our lives were really pleasing to you, we wouldn’t go through difficult stuff. That’s “wishful thinking,” not Gospel-reality.
You have given us infinite, copious, “jaw-dropping” reasons to love and trust you—no matter our circumstances, current story, or unknown future. You saved us by your grace, robed us in your righteousness, sealed us with your Spirit, made us your beloved bride, citizens of heaven, and co-heirs with you of everything—to name 7 of an overflowing cornucopia-of-grace.
But hard things still hurt—and they should. The Gospel makes us more human, not less. At times we feel sad, mad, fearful, and confused. But resting in your sovereignty and love is 10,000 times better than getting our way, having control, and never hurting.
Though the lab results aren’t awesome, our kids are faith-chilled, and our jobs remain stressful—though there’s fungi on our roses, mold in our basement, and chipmunks in the attic… we will love, trust, and seek to honor you, Jesus.
We may not be happy in the moment, but we will dance forever. You never told us to put on a happy face, but you did tell us “to put on Christ” (Rom. 13:14), for you are our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30). Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.