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 Saviour (Habakkuk 3:17,18 NIV).
To rejoice in God needs no support from favorable circumstances. Even when circumstances are unfavorable we can rejoice in God.
This is possible only when you realize the fact that no circumstance can change your relationship with God. He is your Savior no matter whatever the circumstances may prove to be. This unchanging nature of our relationship with God is the foundation for our joy in God.
This truth remains unchanging in a fast moving and rapidly changing world. This is the secret of a joyful Christian life.
Here, the prophet paints for us a picture of barrenness and utter desolation. Yet against this background of emptiness, the prophet paints the picture of joy. People may say such joy is impossible.
But a person who has truly found his joy in God understands that his joy is found in the eternal relationship with God as Savior and it is independent of poor or rich circumstances he finds himself in from time to time.
It is true that the loss of material benefits and possessions can cause a lot of concern. But it is equally true that a child of God need not allow such circumstances to diminish his joy in God.
Happy and blessed is the man who has learned to rejoice in God even in the face of adverse circumstances.
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