Habakkuk 3:17, 18


Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour ~ Habakkuk 3:17

The prophet says, “All is desperation!” Not one thing is working out, the fruit of all my labor is void. Prosperity is no more. The world around this man and the nation has been devastated beyond anything imaginable. This was punishment for not obeying God. God’s people were inconsistent in their following Him, and so God turned His hand against them, and this was the result. All around the land there were leaves on trees and vines, but no fruit; stubble of grass, but no wheat in the fields; the animal pens were empty, leaving tables and cupboards bare. All had all been rampaged by the invaders, and the people were on the verge of starvation. But isn’t that exactly the place to come to the Lord? When all our material possessions on which we have placed our dependence fail us and starvation in the spiritual and heart-sense is at our door, then, and only then we finally recognize where our very life comes from! As the ancient Israelite recalled the covenant promise of God, so we turn to the Lord and rejoice in our salvation; life in fullness is restored. I will be joyful in God my Saviour, says Habakkuk. Do you say the same today? It matters not what we own, but that what we possess is the Spirit of God within. He is our very possession, our gift, our life.
Devotion by Pastor Julia


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