Habakkuk 3:17-18 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.
Like the prophet, Habakkuk, I’ve wanted to question God, to ask if He sees the devastation occurring around the world, the magnitude of mourning for lost loved ones, jobs, businesses, and freedom to move about and enjoy life. Like Habakkuk, I am disturbed by the violence, destruction, wickedness, and lack of justice that I see occurring, as government entities seek to hide the magnitude of the disaster by not supplying sufficient tests for everyone in America.
Yet, also like Habakkuk, while I don’t fully understand the why of this pandemic or how it will be resolved, my hope is still in the God who created the world. So, I look each day for reasons to rejoice in Him and the good that I see occurring around the world.
I find joy in the applause given to medical workers and other front-line responders, as well as to grocery workers, garbagemen, and others who have continued to do “essential” services. I smile and my soul is lifted when I see the commercials wherein individuals from all walks of life assert, “We are in this together!”
I rejoice in how people are utilizing Zoom and other video conferencing to bring events like the ballet or a play or a 100-voices gospel choir right to our electronic devices. I live for moments of joy, such as speaking to family on the phone or Skype. I thank God for the technology that allows us to stay connected to loved ones and to moments of entertainment that soothes our souls.
You’d need to read the whole book of Habakkuk to appreciate the extraordinay prayer in which the prophet asserts that if all is lost, he would continue to rejoice, to seek joyful moments in which he could appreciate the Lord, his God. I have chosen, and, yes, rejoicing is a choice, to seek to find the Light in the darkness, not allowing this time to strip me of my joy. Won’t you join me?
Help from Heaven 
I am joining you in this time of difficulty to choose joy.
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Thank you for reading and the comment. It means the world to me.
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Thank you for promoting joy. It is our right and privilege as believers.
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I always found those verses very special.
Years ago, we were driving at light up in Scotland and we saw a stag standing up on a crag. The outline of the stag was clear against the moonlight. It was like a scene from a movie. So when I read verse 19, I always think of that inspirational image.
People are very frightened. But when they see those who are rooted and string due to their trust in their Creator, it is inspirational. Like the stag up on the crag is an image I will never forget, neither do people forget others who inspire and encourage them.
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Thank you for reading and commenting.
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