Today’s Scripture: Habakkuk 1-3

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

The book of Habakkuk contains a passage you can cling to when the bottom falls out of everything. “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” (Habakkuk 3:17-18.)

I know of a missionary who has labored for twenty-five years with very few people responding to the gospel. Yet he clings to this passage in Habakkuk and finds comfort and encouragement.

I think also of a mother who reared two children in a godly home. When they came of age, both daughters decided to follow the ways of the world. This praying woman continues to trust in the Lord.

I know a man who spent the greater part of his life working for a large corporation. After twenty-five years of faithful service, he was fired without notice. Eventually, he also lost his home and his savings, but not his peace of mind.

Joy is not a matter of good fortune and pleasant circumstances. Joy is a decision, and God is the focus.

Christian, what are your disappointments? What circumstances have gone wrong for you and are sapping your joy? I challenge you to memorize the passage from Habakkuk and claim it each morning.

Finding our joy in the Lord is a matter of will–a decision we can make because of the love and faithfulness of God.

Prayer

Lord, show me how to fix my inward gaze on You, my hope and my joy. Amen.

To Ponder

Circumstances can defeat us only when we’ve taken our eyes off the Source of our joy.

 

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