Yet...

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NKJV)

"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 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.

The LORD God is my strength;

He will make my feet like deer's feet,

And He will make me walk on my high hills."

I guess that this post is sort of a continuation of the one about Job that I wrote a couple weeks ago.  It's just what I've been thinking about a lot lately.  This passage (which was mentioned in that post) seems to be one of those sections of Scripture that I continually go back to.  Think about this passage in regards to biblical times...Habakkuk is pretty much describing his world falling apart!  He is dependent upon each of the things that he mentions (fruit, crops, animals).  Three times Habakkuk uses the word "though" to preface his statements.  Then there is a pause before he continues with the glorious word "YET"- yet he is going to rejoice in the LORD and joy in the God of his salvation!

We all could copy Habakkuk's prayer here, I think.  Most of us won't talk about herds or fields failing.  Here are a few examples of what I believe are more common for us .

     Though...a family member died unexpectedly

     Though...I have an unsaved spouse

     Though...I was abused as a child

     Though...I didn't get into the college that I wanted

     Though...I am unappreciated by my spouse and children

     Though...my roommate and I seem to be at odds all the time

     Though...my parent has a terminal illness

     Though...my spouse left me

     Though...a family member struggles with alcoholism

     Though...someone spread terrible rumors about me

(Obviously these are not all situations from my own life as I am unmarried, attending the college of my choice, have a fantastic roommate, have healthy parents, etc, etc)

Each of us will have a different set of "though's".  Some may have a relatively short list and some may have very long lists.  Habakkuk doesn't pretend that everything is perfect...I think that he is acknowledging that things are wrong.  But (this is important), he doesn't stop there!  He continues!

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that it's important for us to acknowledge the 'though's' in our lives.  It doesn't help to deny what has happened to us.  Like the lyrics by Point of Grace: "Heal the wound, but leave the scar, a reminder of how merciful You are."  The stories of what God has does in our lives are our testimonies of His greatness.  But, just like Habakkuk, we can't stop there!  Bitterness breeds on harboring those hurts we have experienced.  It is absolutely essential that we continue on!

Even though we all begin differently, we all end the same way!  'YET I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.'  Incredible! 

As it says so often in the Psalms: Selah!  Just take a minute to stop and think about it.  Reflect on the incredible truth that our joy is not dependent upon our circumstances and that the LORD is our strength in each and every one of those stressful, sometimes heart-wrenching circumstances!  Amazing! 

  

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On a completely different note...it's pretty weird to blog.  I mean, I seriously doubt that anyone reads this (except maybe for Natalie!).  I really don't mind; it's just nice to have a place to write out my semi-public, semi-private thoughts. :)  And hey, if somebody does actually read this, maybe it will challenge them or maybe they can correct me if I am wrong.