Freely Speaking with Sharee

“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 3:17-18 (NIV)

Life can be a struggle. Overworked and overwhelmed, we tick off a never-ending ‘to-do’ list and survive. Regretting our failed attempts to thrive, joy quickly dissipates, leaving despair in its place. Attempting to keep control, we lose control of the one thing that could bring hope, light, and laughter to our life. Joy.

Author Avery Rimiller defines joy as a “feeling of good pleasure and happiness dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us.” Joy is a source of strength for every moment, an anchor to God, the real joy-giver.

The prophet Habakkuk knows the importance of joy. Nothing is going right in his world, and finding anything worth smiling about in his list of tragic events is challenging. Can you relate? His existence is threatened by fruitless trees and vines, failing crops and flocks, and barns despairingly empty. Such a situation would test the best of us! How can one experience joy when everything is going so wrong?

Yet, did you notice Habakkuk commits to rejoicing in the Lord despite his situation? He could have complained (I would) and expressed his disappointment to all who would listen (me too). While Habakkuk is aware of his circumstances, he chooses to rejoice rather than complain, to be joyful instead of angry at God.

With resolve in his closing declaration, Habakkuk trusts God is faithful, telling his soul how it will be. Though his struggles threaten to defeat him, he focuses on his mighty and unchanging Savior. What a hope-inspiring, strength-building, life-changing decision!

There is hope, strength, and life in choosing joy.

Be encouraged by Habakkuk and his example. Set your heart and mind to choose joy regardless of the struggle! Joy will be found when you seek God with a heart full of expectation.