November 06, 2020

BIBLE READING: Habakkuk 3:17-19
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

As we wrap up the book of Habakkuk, let’s look one last time how God changed the heart of Habakkuk. He began with repeating “What if?” to the situations and upcoming trials his country would be facing. It can be so easy to have this mindset to let influences, situations, and problems to cause us to question, but we should not let it lead us to doubt. Throughout the book, Habakkuk was reminded of God’s sovereignty and character. Here during this psalm in the last chapter, Habakkuk goes from saying “What if?” to “Even if?” He knows bad things are going to happen, but he knows God will provide and keep his promises. Verse 17, Habakkuk is saying everything could wrong, but verses 18 and 19 shows us that Habakkuk’s strength is in the Lord. It can be easy to fall into the trap of saying “What if?” ourselves. Instead, God wants us to rely on Him to take control and give us the grace only He can provide. If we are focused on that, our focus is off of our strengths and situations, and on the one that is in control no matter what may happen. Then we can have joy in the gospel and our Savior! An attitude in trouble or uncertain times can “Even if.” Instead or “What if?”

David Fulp II