Saturday, November 17, 2012

Rejoice Always

I just read through the short old testament prophetic book of Habakkuk. To be honest, I haven't read the book in its entirety before, but am glad that I finally have. In the book, Habakkuk is trying to understand why so much violence and injustice is permissible, and for how long will God allow the evil to reign? It's a question we've all thought at least at one time or another, isn't it? Why does God allow murder, hate, violence, and war? Isn't God sovereign and supposed to be good? Well, God answers Habakkuk. God assures him that there is an appointed time for judgement and we must wait faithfully for it, knowing that when that time comes it will not tarry and by faith the just will live (Habakkuk 2:3-4). The same is true today, and I love the last few verses in the last chapter as Habakkuk submits to Gods plan:

"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."
~Habakkuk 3:17-18~ 

Whatever surrounds us, whether it be triumph or trial, we can rejoice in the Lord, for we are saved by Him. As sure as injustice reigns now, justice will reign then, and there is much hope in that. So wait for it, wait for Him, all the while rejoicing in the God of our salvation. 

Thursday, November 15, 2012