Daily EncouragementSample

“ . . . no grapes . . . no food . . . no sheep . . . no cattle . . . yet I will rejoice . . . I will be joyful.” What is the explanation of this strange statement? It is found in these profound words from God: “the righteous will live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4). “Genuine faith” and “an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Pet. 1:5-9) are found together in both the Old and the New Testaments.

This faith finds its strength and joy in its object, which is the Lord himself. True faith is always trust in “God my Saviour.” “Faith,” said Luther, “is a rejoicing confidence that we have a merciful God.” It is faith in the Blesser rather than in his blessings. It is not the “faith” of the prosperity cults. To follow Christ “because you ate the loaves and had your fill,” (John 6:26-29) is to remain a stranger to genuine faith.

In the object of this faith, which produces such heartfelt joy, we find its origin. This is not the “faith” of mere positive thinking, it is the faith of revelation. It comes through hearing the word of God, as Habakkuk heard it on his watchtower and as we have heard it in the gospel. (Hab. 2.1ff; Rom. 10:17) Ultimately this faith, like every other aspect of our salvation, is “the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).