Joy In The Middle of Trouble

REFERENCE:  Hab. 3:17-19 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

Observation:  Thomas Paine once wrote; "these are the times that try men's souls". It certainly sounds like one of those "times" are being described in this verse. As I write this the economy has really hit the skids, many people have lost retirement funds, some have lost jobs and many fear that they will lose their job. In such circumstances it would seem normal, even logical to be fearful and somewhat depressed.

The writer here encourages us, instead, to be joyful. He reminds us that God is our strength, not our jobs or circumstances. He can take us through the most difficult of times. When it says that "He makes us surefooted as a deer" it is promiseing us, as the book of James does, that when we don't know where to step or what to do, God will enable us to do the right and wise things, if we ask Him for guidance.

No matter what is happening, we can be joyful because the God of all the universe is committed helping take us through.

Application/Confession: I have been experiencing a bit of fear and anxiety recently. Joy is not the first thing that I would use to describe my mood right now. But God is calling me upward and onward to trust in Him and move forward. I will rejoice. He will show me where to step and where to go.

PRAYER: Lord, I put my trust in You. Forgive me for my lack of faith. Help my unbelief. Give me joy in the midst of trial.