How to Overcome Worry預覽

But I will shout for joy!

Prophet Habakkuk lived in an uncertain and unpleasant period of time. The kingdom of Babylon was rapidly growing to become a superpower country. The people of Judah were afraid for their lives and questioned many things about their future. However, at the end of Habakkuk's writings, the prophet wrote a consolation praise which confidently stated that God would protect and care for His people. He wrote in Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV:

Though the fig tree does not bud

   and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

   and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

   and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

   I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Now, we might be living in an uncertain situation. Worries overwhelm our hearts and minds. If prophet Habakkuk lived now, he might write:

Even though prices continue to increase,

and there are no salary increases this year,

the stock market continues to decline,

there are no raises or bonuses,

the negotiations continue to fail,

and many things seem hopeless,

 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

   I will be joyful in God my Savior.

We can choose to remain joyful because our joy is found in the Lord. Our joy does not depend on the situation. 

Reflection:

1. How worrisome is an uncertain situation for you?

2. How big is the impact of joy on the maturity of your faith?

Put in into practice: Rejoice in every situation. The joy of the Lord is your strength.