Yet I Will Rejoice
Date: April 19, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse - 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."
L - Listen for God's Word and pray - Dear God, help me to understand and learn from this passage. May I find joy and contentment in you even in difficult circumstances. Teach me to trust in you and to find strength in your presence. Amen.
E - Explore the History and meaning - Habakkuk was a prophet who wrote during the time of the Babylonian exile. This passage comes from the end of the book where Habakkuk has been struggling with the justice of God in the midst of suffering. Here, he affirms that even in the midst of great loss and suffering, he will rejoice in the Lord. This passage is a powerful reminder that our joy should not be based on our circumstances, but rather on our relationship with God.
S - Study and savor the Key Words or Phrases:
Fig tree - a tree that bears figs. In the Bible, it often symbolizes prosperity and abundance.
Does not bud and No grapes on the vines - This phrase is symbolic of barrenness and lack.
Olive crop fails - This means the olive trees didn't produce any fruit or oil. Olives were a staple food in the ancient Near East, and the oil was used for cooking, lighting lamps, and as an ingredient in perfumes and medicines.
Fields produce no food - This phrase means that there is a lack of crops and harvests, leading to hunger and scarcity.
All of these key words and phrases in Habakkuk 3:17-18 paint a picture of a devastating situation in which there is no food or prosperity. Despite this, the prophet declares his faith and trust in God.
Rejoice in the Lord: The word "rejoice" means to feel or show great joy or delight. In this context, "the Lord" refers to God. The phrase "rejoice in the Lord" implies finding joy, comfort, and security in God, despite the difficult circumstances.
Joyful in God my Savior: The word "joyful" means feeling, expressing, or causing great pleasure and happiness. The phrase "my Savior" refers to God as the one who saves and delivers his people. "Joyful in God my Savior" implies finding great pleasure and happiness in the salvation and deliverance that God provides.
Both of these phrases emphasize finding joy and delight in God, even in difficult circumstances. This shows a deep trust in God's provision and care for his people, and a willingness to find joy in his presence regardless of external circumstances.
S - Summarize and Share
The prophet Habakkuk expresses his faith in God even in the middle of some very difficult circumstances. The fig tree didn’t bud, so there were no grapes on the vine, the olive crop had failed so they didn’t have food. Even with the loss of his crops and livestock, and the devastation of his fields, he still chose to rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in God his Savior.
Can we say we’d do the same?
This passage reminds us that even when we face challenging situations and feel like everything is falling apart, we can still trust in God and find joy in Him. We can choose to focus on the goodness and faithfulness of God, rather than our circumstances.
Personally, this passage reminds me that my joy and hope should not be dependent on my external circumstances, but on the unchanging character of God. It challenges me to have a deeper faith in God and to trust Him more fully, even when things don't go as planned. It also encourages me to be grateful for the blessings in my life, rather than focusing on what I lack.
I encourage you to take some time to meditate on the truth that God is your light and salvation, and to allow that truth to fill you with hope and confidence in Him. Take a moment to pray and ask God to help you trust in Him more fully and to remove any fears or doubts that may be weighing on your heart. Look for ways to share this truth with others who may be struggling with fear or uncertainty in their own lives, and allow God to use you to be a source of hope and encouragement to those around you.
Bible Cross References –
Psalm 63:3-5; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-9.