During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our fourth reflection is based on Hab. 3:17–19 (ESV).
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord” (Hab. 3:18a ESV).
“The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw” (Hab. 1:1 ESV) revealed a coming invasion of Judah and scattering of families. Through the prophet, the Lord gave hope to a faithful remnant who would soon be driven from home. “The righteous shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4b) means they will live.
Imagine watching others trample what you worked hard to sustain. What will happen to the place they know as home? Fig trees bear no fruit, olive crops fail, fields yield no food, and flocks are thinned. “Yet,” says the prophet, “I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (Hab. 3:18 ESV). The Holy Spirit grants faith to cherish His promise even when earthly props give way.
Jesus warned His disciples their time was ending. “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace” (John 16:32–33a ESV). What will happen when Jesus is taken away? Judas caved to unbelief, Roman soldiers flogged and crucified Jesus, and crowds impugned His name. The eleven could have abandoned one another; instead, they gathered as a remnant to wait. The Holy Spirit granted faith to believe Jesus’ promise even after seeing hope dismantled.
Jesus shed His blood to atone for the sins of man on Friday. Sunday night, He came to His disciples, scarred with execution marks, but resurrected! Their disbelief turned to calm as they recalled Jesus’ assurance before His death, “And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise” (Luke 18:33 ESV). He lives.
We name our burdens in prayer, giving them to Jesus. New dramas pour down rain while older ones puddle unresolved. Remembering the Lord’s prophet, Habakkuk, we speak his words as a prayer, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”
Prayer: Father, I trust You in darkness knowing light will come. Your Son is coming, even while our struggling remnant waits. Hasten the day we lay eyes on Him. Amen +
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Craig D. Otto
First Vice President
Missouri District