“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Habakkuk 3:18
(King James Version)
I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Habakkuk 3:18
(King James Version)
Regardless of the situation, God is always worthy of praise. The prophet Habakkuk was determined to rejoice, not so much for the situation, but in the God of his salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
The name Habakkuk means “one who embraces” or “clings.” His name is quite fitting because in the end of his short book, Habakkuk chooses to rely and cling to God regardless of what happens to his nation. The people of Judah were repeatedly called to repentance for their idolatry and other sins. The prophet wondered how long God would allow the wickedness to continue. God’s reply was not what Habakkuk expected. Because of their hardheartedness and unwillingness to repent, God told Habakkuk that the Babylonians would be used as His instrument to bring correction and chastening to bring them to repentance. This perplexed Habakkuk even more because the Babylonians were more wicked and corrupt than Judah! He could not understand God’s method of correction and chastening. However, he comes to himself and realizes “the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Habakkuk begins to trust in the sovereignty and wisdom of God. He knows that God’s plan is perfect, just and righteous. Deuteronomy 32:4 says, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” God is not only fair, he is Just. He is not only right, He is Righteous.
Regardless of the situation, we can rest assured that God has everything in control. God is not scratching his head in bewilderment trying to come up with “Plan B.” He boldly declares “From the beginning I told you what would happen in the end. A long time ago I told you things that have not yet happened. When I plan something, it happens. What I want to do, I will do.”
Rather than focusing on what is stunted, not changing, not blossoming or not producing – change your focus to God and His faithfulness, mercy and truth. Even in the midst of circumstances and situations, he will make you walk, not to stand still in terror, and make spiritual progress in the midst of trouble, suffering, and responsibility (Amplified). Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice (Philippians 4:4)!
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2 comments:
Thank God for today’s mediation reminding us to keep our focus on God no matter the situation or problem. Though we face difficult and trying situations, we must realize that God is in control and we can be in perfect peace if our minds stayed on Him. "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Phil 4:8 NLT
We can decide to obey God's word in the midst of trouble and recieve joy and gladness by rejoicing and exalting his name and confound the enemy or we can meditate on our problems and live defeated lives. I have experienced the joy and peace of God in the midst of bad circumstances simply because I chose to rejoice in the God of my salvation!
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