Joy to the WorldSample

Joy in Uncertainty

As men, we have a built-in drive to provide for our families.

But what should we do when we feel that our efforts are impacted by situations that create anxiety in us?

Habakkuk was a prophet who knew anxiety. He talked about times when the trees did not produce fruit, when the fields did not produce grain, and when the stalls were empty (Habakkuk 3:17).

I’m no farmer, but that sounds stressful to me.

But Habakkuk doesn’t just stand there staring at uncertainty.

His faith continues as his fears are mixed with other emotions—trust, patience, and joy.

And how are those opposites connected?

Through one simple word: “yet.”

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18).

I’ve been through job changes in my life. Some have been my choice, while others came as surprises. As Habakkuk would say, I had no herd in my stall.

And yet, I’m still here.

And more than that, my family is still here. The Lord has provided for us in many ways.

Sometimes, we would have to wait patiently. That was hard.

Sometimes, we were blessed by how He provided. That was surprising.

As men, we tend to stay focused on the uncertainty we are in, and questions consume our thoughts.

How will I provide?

What does the future hold?

What if nothing happens?

But what if we had a “yet” in our doubts?

How will I provide? Yet God is my provider.

What does the future hold? Yet it’s God who holds the future.

What if nothing happens? Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (Habakkuk 3:18)

And that’s where Habakkuk’s writing ends.

Did his struggles stop? Probably not.

But did he have a new outlook on his situation? Without a doubt.

The coming of Jesus at Christmas was God’s “yet” to the world. Humanity had sinned, death had entered Creation, and man was lost on his own—yet the Savior was born.

As Christian men, we are called to have a “yet” in our questions, put our trust in the Lord, receive His joy, and follow Him as He provides in uncertain times.

Anything other than that is us staring at empty stalls. And that helps no one.

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for providing in my uncertain times. Help me to trust and follow You patiently. Amen.

Reflection: What is a situation in your life where you need to see a “yet” in it? Pray into that need, but make sure you add a “yet” to the end of the prayer!