Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines…yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation – Habakkuk 3:17-18
What a wonderful encouragement from such a dark and discouraging prophecy!
While the prophet Habakkuk struggled with the fact that God was going to send a terrible and decimating judgment on rebellious Israel, he eventually came to realize that God is sovereign. Although God's chastening may not feel good, or yield immediate fruit, it is always right and good and it is always his prerogative to allow it.
Habakkuk ends the record of his struggles with this great declaration: although suffering may come, although pleasures and provision may run dry, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. The Lord, not my surroundings, is my salvation!
Habakkuk’s profound response to the horror he and his people are about to face is, quite simply, faith in God. It is faith which does not depend on circumstances to be sustained. It is faith which does not require prosperity or mental/emotional acuity to persist. It is faith which is able to say when the storm clouds gather, “Thy will be done.”
Habakkuk had come to know that God was beautiful. And he could see that whatever God had for him was the very best. Only true faith can say that. Only true faith can see God as “the God of my salvation” when joyful deliverance seems so elusive and God himself so distant. May that faith be yours today.