Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today, Susan Hales inspires us to take joy in the God of our salvation.

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17-18 ESV).

After my divorce, I thought I'd never be happy unless I got married again. However, when I got scammed on a Christian dating site, I realized I had hit rock bottom and needed a new perspective.

When people leave or disappoint us, we are miserable. If our possessions no longer excite us, we buy something else to fill the void. When circumstances don’t go our way, we decide to move, change jobs, or change something in our lives to regain our state of happiness. Then the cycle repeats, like a hamster perpetually running around and around on its wheel.

Instead of seeking happiness, find joy in God. Because of God's love, we experience joy knowing that everything will work out, regardless of our circumstances.

Joy is a recurring theme in scripture, but the book of Habakkuk is often overlooked. It's only three chapters, but it is unique because it recounts a dialogue with God.

In chapter 1, Habakkuk had a long list of questions and complaints for God. In chapter 2, God answers—things are going to get worse before they get better. However, I am still here, and I remain in control.

In chapter 3, Habakkuk realizes he will rejoice and praise God regardless of his circumstances.

In our key verse, Habakkuk committed to trusting God and rejoicing in his salvation, even if it meant losing everything.

Maybe you don't have olive groves, vineyards, flocks, and fig trees, but what if everything you counted disappeared? You could lose your spouse, friends, family, job, car, money, your house, or your health all in an instant. But God is faithful. He will always love us and will never leave us. Nothing can separate us from God’s love.

What can we always count on to bring us joy? God's love, our salvation, and our future home in heaven with Jesus. No one can take those things away.

Whether single or married, I'm now content because I believe in God's perfect plan for me.

Do you rely on anything in your life to make you happy instead of finding joy in God?

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com