Though 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…”—indeed, “his joy is our strength” (Hab. 3:17-19; Neh. 8:10).
Heavenly Father, thank you for including the record of faith-struggles in your Word. Where did we ever get the notion that the “blessed” life was an easy, predictable, pain-void life? Between Jesus’ resurrection and return, we should expect moments, days, and seasons when we say both, “I am loving my life right now!”, as well as “How long, O Lord?”
We didn’t pick them up as hitchhikers—the mystery of your ways and your peace that defies understanding, were both in the Gospel-van before we took our seat. We don’t know, “get,” like everything; but we do rest in this, Sovereign Abba: You began a “good work” in us, and all creation, that you will complete. You promised Jesus and he came. After living and dying for us, you raised Jesus, enthroned him, and will send him back. Hallelujah, and thank you.
Until then, nothing will separate us from your love, alter your eternal plans, or be outside the “all things” in which you’re at work for our good (Rm.8:28). So here’s our Habakkuk-like prayer, Father:
When grace doesn’t feel sufficient and life is harder than the Gospel is sweet, we will worship you. Though people fail us, evil abounds, and your timetable makes no sense to us—even then, we will love and trust you. And when “mystery” is riding shotgun with us, while “peace” is in the trunk somewhere—especially then, we will collapse on Jesus. Your joy is our strength, Father, even as Jesus is our righteousness. So Very Amen.