Yet Will I Exult in Yahweh

December 19

Habakkuk 2:4-3:19

Psalm 144:1-8

Proverbs 30:11-14

Revelation 12

Yet Will I Exult In Yahweh

“Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no produce on the vines, though the yield of olive should fail and the fields yield no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in Yahweh;  I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.  Yahweh, the Lord, is my strength, and He has set my feet like hinds’ feet and makes me tread on my high places.”  Habakkuk 3:17-19 LSB 

Habakkuk 3 does not describe elementary school faith, it is faith that is born out of experience and demonstrates master’s or doctoral level knowledge.  Habakkuk was declaring faith in God during extreme hardship.  He described a desolate situation where the fig tree didn’t blossom, the vines had no fruit, the fields were barren and the livestock were gone.  There was complete economic collapse with no hope in sight.  But Habakkuk chose to focus on God’s faithfulness rather than on his dire circumstances.  He resolved to rejoice in the Lord and find his joy in God.  Habakkuk understood that true joy and peace come from an intimate relationship with God and not from material possessions, provision or favorable circumstances.  He was demonstrating trust in God’s sovereignty because he understood that God was in control even when things seemed out of control.  He trusted God to take care of him and to give him the strength and perseverance to face whatever was ahead.  He professed that God was his strength and that He had set his feet like hinds’ feet so that he could tread on high places.  A hind is a female deer known for agility and surefootedness on difficult terrain.  They are able to climb rocky cliffs and maneuver steep, uneven surfaces with little trouble.  The prophet knew that it was God who enabled him to walk with confidence and stability overcoming obstacles and facing challenges. 

Habakkuk had “even if” faith.  Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego facing the fiery furnace, he chose to trust God even if his situation did not change and he did not get relief from his suffering.  He trusted that God knew best and that He would do what was best, even if that meant death for him.  Habakkuk believed God was Lord of all and he placed his life in His hands to do with as He deemed best.  That is amazing faith that doesn’t develop overnight.  It comes from a deep, personal relationship with God and a lifetime of experiencing God’s presence and faithfulness.  His faith muscle was exercised and grew strong so that it was available when it was needed.  That kind of faith is not reserved for Old Testament prophets and saints.  God wants to develop that depth of faith in each of us.  The more time we spend in prayer and studying His Word, the more our faith grows and matures.  His desire is that each of us get a doctorate in faith because He wants us to trust Him “even if.”