Rejoicing in God flows from a heart that trust and depend on Him. Such faith acknowledges that God is their strength and is content with his provision in this life. The prophet Habakkuk expressed his total dependence on the sovereign will of God as the foundation of his hope. For historical context of this focus scripture, Habakkuk was a contemporary of Jeremiah and it is believed that his prophetic ministry (609-598 B.C) occurred during king Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah. It was at a time when there was imminent threat by Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar II) and visible deterioration of spiritual life in Judah which invited the judgement of God. Fear and lack of provision was increasing all around him. Amid pending judgment, Habakkuk is reminded of the character and saving power of God. He placed his full confidence in God for the future regardless of the trials and tribulations to come.
Lostness abounds in our post-modernistic society where we are witnessing a similar moral degeneration making way for exaltation of secularism. The church is in spiritual decay due to its compromised witness and proclamation of the Gospel, thus losing her gospel influence in the public square of life. Many are suffering lacking due to gross corruption and inequities of society. Such realities can fill us with fear and doubt. However, like Habakkuk, we rejoice in God when are reminded he will preserve us in seasons of abundance and need. Paul taught, “…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (12) I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (13) I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Phi 4:11-13).” Our hope is refreshed when we recapture and holdfast to the truth that God is our Savior and he works all things for the good of those who belong to him (Rom 8:28-30). Patience with the process God has established for our lives is key. Let us rejoice in the Lord, for in him we place our hope. He is the source of our strength.
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the field yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, (18) yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. (19) God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. (Hab 3:17-19)”
(Other suggested scripture reading for further study and reflection: Ps 27:14, Isa 40:28-31, Rom 12:12, 2 Pt 3:8-9)
Blessings,
Dr. Price
www.springoflivingwaters.com