Hymn Of Faith

February 21, 2021

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord , I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

~Habakkuk 3:17‭-‬19~

Oh how this beautiful scripture from Habakkuk moves my soul! The fascinating visions that it brings to mind when reading the words. The fig trees not blossoming, the vines bare of fruit, fields yielding no food and the flock being cut off from its fold; sounds almost like a season of bareness or a season of waiting. Almost like winter. How fitting for a time such as this. I know a lot of us are in a season of waiting. Many are feeling "sick of the winter time." People are getting ready for more sunshine, flowers blooming and harvest to take place. Habakkuk's hymn reminds us that even as we wait and see no revenue we can trust in our God who gives in due season. We can rest in Him as we prepare for the next season with joy in our hearts as He is the God of our salvation. "It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord ."

(Lamentations 3:26)

There are many things that may try and discourage us in these seasons; busy schedules, cancelations from weather, power outages, colder tempatures and shorter days; even the animals have to wait for things to change. "For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals."

(Ecclesiastes 3:19)

Even as we may feel things begin to slow down or overwhelm us we can always trust in the Almighty who is always good to us. As we wait with patience we can rest assured He will bless us in due time. " Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time."

(I Peter 5:6)

Habakkuk can give us hope as we look around us and do not see a physical difference. We know God is still at work and we can meditate on the strength He gives us as we wait. Faith is the substance that keeps us able to move forward no matter how long we have to wait. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith reminds us that we are here because God put us here to begin with. "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:3)

Without God, there is no us. There is no joy. No life. There is an unformed world.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)

Did God have to do this? No. Did He long for company? I believe so, and I believe He still does! He longs for us to love Him and be with Him. He longs for our joy. "Behold, this is the joy of His way, And out of the earth others will grow." (Job 8:19)

When we feel low let us praise God and feel His strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

(Philippians 4:13)

When we do not see progress let us trust God that it is in the making.

" Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You!"

(Psalms 86:2)

When we doubt in ourselves let us remember God believes in us to pull ahead. " And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?"

(Luke 24:38)

When we get tired let us ask God for His energy to fulfill His day. "He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength." (Isaiah 40:29)

When we strive for more let us ask Him who gives generously. "But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

(John 11:22)

We hear and say it all of the time, "God is good." But let us truely start believing in all of His goodness. Let it come to life and speak to our hearts as it did to Habakkuk. No matter what it is we do not have there is so much more that we do. Habakkuk theoretically is saying "count your blessings," and who could blame him? We are living in such an amazing time. I know you're probably thinking, "are you serious?" Yes I am. If God put us in such a time as this He must of known we could handle it, that we would be a part of history in the making and that we were stronger then we could imagine. God never changes even as the seasons do. He is still right there comforting us and reminding us that glory is coming, even if we can't physically see that. Let us use our faith in God to enjoy the times when nothing may seem to happen because He is always working behind the scenes and He is our joy and salvation!

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for such a precious creation I am surrounded by each day that You fashioned with Your hands. I am grateful to be alive in a time such as this. Even though I may not see progress happening I declare that it is. Even though this season can be darker, colder and dreary I am grateful for the changes in seasons You have given us. I give praises to Your Name above all Names, the One who made us to have companions. I pray to be used today to glorify Your Son whom You gave for my salvation. There is no better gift then that. Remind me not to pout and complain when things don't go my way because I know You are working something out that is much better then what I have been asking for. I pray for the patience and strength in this waiting season, for I know the harvest is on the way. It is in Your Name Jesus Christ, whom I pray and rejoice in. Amen.