“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
Heavenly Father, 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” and the “American Dream,” not Gospel-reality and the abundant life.
You have given us infinitely sufficient reason to love and trust you—no matter our circumstances, current story, or unknown future. You saved us by your grace, robed us in Jesus’ righteousness, sealed us with your Spirit, made us your beloved children, citizens of heaven, and co-heirs with Jesus… to name 7 of a whole cornucopia-of-grace.
It’s not that hard things don’t hurt. The Gospel makes us more human, not less. Appropriately, at times we feel sad, mad, fearful, and confused. But resting in your Fatherly sovereignty is 10,000 times better, freeing, and peace-giving than being defined by things we can’t control.
Though the lab results aren’t awesome, our kids are faith-chilled, the war continues, the “virus” keeps mutating, our jobs remain stressful—though there’s fungi on our roses, mold in our basement, and the trout won’t take any of our flies… we will love, trust, and seek to honor you.
Father, we may not be happy in the moment, but we will dance forever. You never asked us to put on a happy face, but you did tell us “to put on Christ” (Rom. 13:14). You are at work for our good, in all things all the time (no exceptions). So Very Amen.