Habakkuk 3:17-18
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,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Habakkuk 3:17 describes a night time experience in life. A time in one's life that everything could seem to be unfruitful. When losses are
visible to the eye, and can be counted one after the other. Job experienced a similar fate, he had lost all his children, oxen, his servants , the list went on and on. Sometimes we are buffeted by problems , and consumed by trouble. Job was in such a situation, it was a very depressing one . His wife who did not have the heart for it urged him to curse God and die. Job 1-2
During such dark hours of our lives, God may seem so far away. Jesus , during such a time in His life , shouted - "My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?"
Don't we sometimes feel that way as well? The night has a way of making us feel numb with pain, and very lonely. Sometimes , one can feel all alone , even with people close by. But in the night time, we catch glimpses of the light from the moon and stars. The night time will not be totally dark if we learn to count our little blessings. If we would remember the goodness of the Lord, and thank Him in these times, we would keep awake the ray of hope we need to survive the night.
Habakkuk in verse 18 of chapter 3 announced - yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
We ought to keep an attitude of gratitude, praise and thanksgiving during the night. I know this is easier said than done. The songwriter puts this feeling so explicitly in words :
I will sing
I will praise
Even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing
I will praise
Lift my hands to honor You
Because Your Word is true
I will sing
The song writer has said it all. We have a God that saves and delivers - the God of our Salvation. His Joy is our strength. Nehemiaah 8:10. Nehemiah urged his people - Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
God has joy when we praise and worship Him. And this joy is our strength. We must praise and worship God in order to muster strength to survive the night, for in due time, we shall behold the morning.
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