What can you do when you face the loss of everything? An overlooked prophet guides us.
“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, 18. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17-18, NIV.
HOPE IN DARKNESS
The prophet Habakkuk, foresaw grim times, and dark disasters. He foretold the economic, political and social destruction of his homeland. He foresaw the subjugation of his people. His visions of apocalyptic events eclipse even today’s evening news. In view of oncoming devastation, he declares his own personal response- “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
FOCUS
His answer to withered crops was not science, his reaction to failed harvest was not a government bailout, nor was his response to the demise of the flock a bank loan, but it was in God his Savior. He looked beyond the tribulations and saw God, God the Savior in times like these and our soul’s Savior for all time. His joy was not in crops or flocks but in the Lord.
RESOLVE
He declares “Yet I will…” It is like he says, “In spite of these things,” or “Even so,” or “Nevertheless.” No matter what may befall he resolved to rejoice in the Lord.
HIS SECRET
His words “God my Savior” is the key to his attitude of joy. Not God THE Savior but MY Savior. His God and his salvation are personal possession.
He salvation was not by
* The Law.
* A charismatic personality.
* A religion.
* Culture,
* Offerings.
* Service.
* Offerings
* Or attendance to rituals
But his salvation was BY GOD.
To him God was more than culture, community, nationality, or heritage; he claimed God as his own. He looked forward in faith to see God fulfill salvation in the life, death, and resurrection of his Son Jesus, (it is faith in what God promised that saves us; that if we believe on Jesus we are saved).
OUR OWN LIVES
We all have heartbreak times where everything comes to end, but look beyond it to God your Savor and rejoice in Him. Let’s not look to bank accounts, possessions, relationships and status for our joy but make our joy in God. Like Habakkuk, we need to resolve to rejoice in the Lord.
After all, what are a few disasters compared to the Almighty Lord of the Universe? We’ll find much to celebrate in God our Savior.
To learn more about the plan of salvation follow this link: click here.
“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, 18. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17-18, NIV.
HOPE IN DARKNESS
The prophet Habakkuk, foresaw grim times, and dark disasters. He foretold the economic, political and social destruction of his homeland. He foresaw the subjugation of his people. His visions of apocalyptic events eclipse even today’s evening news. In view of oncoming devastation, he declares his own personal response- “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
FOCUS
His answer to withered crops was not science, his reaction to failed harvest was not a government bailout, nor was his response to the demise of the flock a bank loan, but it was in God his Savior. He looked beyond the tribulations and saw God, God the Savior in times like these and our soul’s Savior for all time. His joy was not in crops or flocks but in the Lord.
RESOLVE
He declares “Yet I will…” It is like he says, “In spite of these things,” or “Even so,” or “Nevertheless.” No matter what may befall he resolved to rejoice in the Lord.
HIS SECRET
His words “God my Savior” is the key to his attitude of joy. Not God THE Savior but MY Savior. His God and his salvation are personal possession.
He salvation was not by
* The Law.
* A charismatic personality.
* A religion.
* Culture,
* Offerings.
* Service.
* Offerings
* Or attendance to rituals
But his salvation was BY GOD.
To him God was more than culture, community, nationality, or heritage; he claimed God as his own. He looked forward in faith to see God fulfill salvation in the life, death, and resurrection of his Son Jesus, (it is faith in what God promised that saves us; that if we believe on Jesus we are saved).
OUR OWN LIVES
We all have heartbreak times where everything comes to end, but look beyond it to God your Savor and rejoice in Him. Let’s not look to bank accounts, possessions, relationships and status for our joy but make our joy in God. Like Habakkuk, we need to resolve to rejoice in the Lord.
After all, what are a few disasters compared to the Almighty Lord of the Universe? We’ll find much to celebrate in God our Savior.
To learn more about the plan of salvation follow this link: click here.
(c)Adron Dozat 11/19/11
