“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, ... yet I will rejoice in the LORD.”
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Perhaps like me, you have known seasons of life when joy was scarce. I am thinking of a particular day when I felt I had many reasons to be frustrated, disappointed, and complaining. But just before I reached for my phone to call and vent all my troubles to a friend, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a verse that I learned years ago: “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
This is a joy that doesn’t require things to be going my way, a joy that is rooted in God and His love for me, a joy that overlooks offenses committed against me. We won’t find it in our earthly relationships or material goods. This joy is rooted in Jesus!
As God’s children, we aren’t called to find our joy in the things of this world. We aren’t called to celebrate because of how wonderfully we have been treated or rejoice because of how comfortable we are. Our lasting and true joy has its foundation in the Lord! Joy doesn’t deny the pain, but it declares that Jesus is still enough. Habakkuk praised God when everything was falling apart because of who he knew God to be.
This is a joy that doesn’t require things to be going my way, a joy that is rooted in God and His love for me, a joy that overlooks offenses committed against me. We won’t find it in our earthly relationships or material goods. This joy is rooted in Jesus!
As God’s children, we aren’t called to find our joy in the things of this world. We aren’t called to celebrate because of how wonderfully we have been treated or rejoice because of how comfortable we are. Our lasting and true joy has its foundation in the Lord! Joy doesn’t deny the pain, but it declares that Jesus is still enough. Habakkuk praised God when everything was falling apart because of who he knew God to be.
Scripture Focus
Nehemiah 8:9-12
Insight
Lord, anchor my joy in You today. As Psalm 16:11 declares, may I find true joy in Your presence. Amen
Bible In A Year
- Nehemiah 10-11
- Psalm 36
- Mark 15