Prayerfully Re-Center around God
Habakkuk 3:17-19
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.
Pondering Point
Coming near the end of this prophet’s conversation with God amid serious adversity, we that see Habakkuk’s prayer is one of praise and confidence in the Lord. The prayer exhibits a faith that overrides his current circumstances, choosing to trust in God’s loving-but-not-always-pleasant ways. The people of God in Habakkuk’s day were hardly faithful followers. But Habakkuk couldn’t make sense of God’s action (or seeming inaction as was the case here). Eventually Habakkuk opts for patience and puts himself in the hands of the Lord. Can you do the same?
Review
Where are you impatient for the Lord to act, either in relation to you or about those you’re worried and/or praying over?
Repent if Necessary
Tell the Lord, “I’ve not trusted You lately about these matters…” List them and then consider repenting about questioning His seeming inaction or head-scratching action from your viewpoint.
Return (as necessary)
Thank God for being there in the past and for showing patience with you. Submit your ways and life to Him and choose to rejoice in the Lord no matter the circumstances. Below is a prayer adapted from Habakkuk’s prayer of confidence in the Lord:
Prayer
Though my fig tree is not budding
and there are no grapes on my vines,
though my olive crop fails
and my fields produce no food,
though I find no sheep in my pen
and no cattle in my stalls,
yet I will rejoice in You, LORD.
I will be joyful in You, God my Savior.
You, Sovereign LORD, are my strength;
You make my feet like that of a deer,
enabling me to tread on the heights.