Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines . . . yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! —Habakkuk 3:17–18
Sometimes we must tell ourselves what to think. In fact, we probably need to do this more often than not because both the circumstances of life and our responses to them will naturally push our thoughts into dry and hopeless places.
Habakkuk faced this. He wasn’t delusional when he spoke of barren fig trees and withering grapevines. Times were bad and soon to be worse. Habakkuk foresaw not just a few things going wrong but one thing after another— every visible evidence of sustenance and supply being taken away. This wasn’t good news. Nor was it the prophet’s final word on the matter.
He interrupted his hopeless thoughts with better ones: the decision to “celebrate in the Lord.” This was faith, not naivete, the acknowledgement that God was in control and would, in time, restore the fig trees and refresh the vines.
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Habakkuk: Moving from Fear to Faith (Revive Our Hearts series)
Scripture is taken from the CSB.
Make it Personal
The God of salvation seeks to redeem even what He has pruned. Choose to rejoice in Him regardless of circumstances.