The Final Essentials

Spoiler Alert: There was no happy ending in the message Habakkuk was sent to proclaim. It was dire straits. Honestly, I’m thankful it’s here.  

Suppose there was no hope when the bottom falls out of your life? That kind of gospel is no Gospel. In the middle of certain difficulty, Habakkuk testifies to the confidence that is his, as well as ours. 

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 3:18

The prophet doesn’t grit his teeth and take the heavenly slap down. His is a hymn set to wild, enthusiastic music. On the edge of anticipated desolation, Habakkuk makes the only choice that provides peace, freedom, and hope to those in need. He chooses to rejoice. 

How is this even possible? What can cause someone to choose to rejoice rather than doubling over in some sort of fetal position, hoarding what they don’t need, worrying themselves sick when the world is crumbling?

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! Habakkuk 3:19 AMPC

The Lord must be his Strength. Habakkuk is not man enough to choose to rejoice through the first of his hymn without believing wholeheartedly the finale. 

This is the hope offered to us in our present. It’s unmistakable and sure. When you make the Lord your Strength, you will not stand still in terror. You will walk, making spiritual progress in spite of trouble, however great it may be. Fear in the face of suffering won’t stop you. And in the midst of great responsibilities, you will move forward with Jesus. He is and will be YOUR STRENGTH. 

Thanks to Habakkuk, you can be confident God has more for you than surviving your present. You are meant to flourish. Not only you, but those entrusted to you. Take His Word. Make it your own, but don’t keep it. Your greater purpose is to lead out.

For more Gospel-centered resources from Cheri to help stir a desire for God into your everyday life, visit https://www.sheyearns.com/what-is-next/