Monday, April 27

Even though… yet…

Why is this happening? How long will this last? These are common questions that people ask of God, especially in times of uncertainty.  The prophet Habakkuk (about 600 B.C) asked similar questions. He wondered why bad things were happening to good people. He never received a direct answer from the Lord. But instead, he learned to move beyond his unanswered questions to a place of trust. This place of trust is clearly reflected in the unique confession of faith that concludes his writing. 

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.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
    he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

In summary: Even though everything on which I build my physical life should fall apart, yet I will trust God. The Lord gives me strength like a leaping deer.

How might you use Habakkuk’s pattern to describe your faith today?

Even though… Habakkuk referred to the loss of fig trees, vines, olives and livestock. What real or imagined physical losses might you experience?

Yet… Habakkuk used the metaphor of a strong deer. Take a moment to describe how you are and will be trusting in God. What type of metaphor would you use to describe the strength you receive from a relationship with the Lord?

As a prayer for today reread the passage from Habakkuk 3:17-19, then conclude with your own expression of faith.  Even though… yet….