Even if the fig tree does not blossom and there are no grapes on the vines, If the olive trees fail to give fruit and the fields produce no food, If the flocks die far from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls; Then I will still rejoice in the Eternal! I will rejoice in the God who saves me! The Eternal Lord is my strength! He has made my feet like the feet of a deer; He allows me to walk in high places. Habakkuk 3:17-19
Take a Moment to Ponder
I cannot recall noticing this passage before I was asked to use it as a reading at a funeral. It has rested with me since then. As we journey through COVIDS many deaths, the other losses in life, the various disappointments, and the things that cut like a knife into our emotions, I am reminded of this passage. Habakkuk is here praying for strength, as he prophesies that Israel’s wickedness will cause their defeat to Babylon. He helps us find comfort when we are in a dark place and our backs are against the wall and there seems to be nowhere to turn. This kind of hopelessness which has caused us to develop a lack of regard for our own personal welfare and safety is growing in our nation. A numbness has crept over us and at times we struggle to see God in the situation. Habakkuk affirms God’s faithfulness, that God will look after God’s people no matter what they are going through. No matter how dark the situation gets, no matter that you cannot see a way through, we should have faith. Faith assures us that all will be well. The outcome will be bright and blessings will abound. God provides the strength to overcome our difficulties. Like the quick-footed deer, a way is provided out of our difficult situations, we just need to lean on God and rest on God’s promises.
Practical Action
As we look on our situation as a country and individually, let us tune our hearts together to revel in the goodness of God within the desolation of our situation. Let us acknowledge like Habakkuk that things may not be as good as they once were, and everything may seem to be falling apart. But it only seems that way, because we have experienced God’s faithfulness in times past and we are well aware, that God is able to change our situation for the better. Let us, therefore, pay attention for the opportunities God presents for a better tomorrow.
A Moment in Prayer
Let us pray, God the source of all goodness, give us the grace to see you in all things and to act according to your word and in your strength. Amen
Contributed by Rev. Hilda Vaughan
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