REJOICING DURING BARREN TIMES

(Book of Habakkuk)

Hab. 3:17-19 – 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 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.

Background: Habakkuk lived during a time when Judah was at war due to the reforms of King Josiah

having been dismissed. The people were experiencing oppression and collapse of their government’s legal system. The nations around Judah were at war with Babylon rising over Assyria and Egypt. Therefore, Judah’s citizens were in turmoil.

Hab. 1:1-4 – expresses the circumstances Habakkuk found himself living in: The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw: O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention arises. Therefore, the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore, perverse judgment proceeds.

Hab. 1:5 is God’s initial reply to this questioning: Look among the nations and watch; be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believer, though it were told you!

How does should we conduct our lives during turbulent times?

Hab. 2:1-4 – Set our eyes and attune our ears towards God with expectancy:

• I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected. Then the Lord answered me and said, “write the vision and make it plain on tablets that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie, though it tarries, wait for it; it will not tarry. Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.

o When the Lord speaks, write it down so you won’t forget! (Write out the scripture He highlights to you; collect tokens of promise [my 4-leaf clovers]…)

o Prayerfully wait for it even if it tarries! (Wait here is to await with the idea of piercing or carving.)

o Check the posture of your heart – is it proud or humble?

o Discern God’s timing for what He has spoken. (think of weddings – a time of preparation and a time of it all coming together, for a positive example.)

Hab. 2:14 - right in the middle of the works of pride which is the root of many troubles (v. 5-13) God tells Habakkuk this:

• For the earth will be filled [abundantly satisfied] with the knowledge [yada: perception and recognition] of the glory [honor, splendor, reputation] of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

o This promise is spoken in the middle of discouraging circumstances – the proud increase their selfish ambitions, oppression on every side, illegal gains, shameful counsels, rising debt, wars and all that goes with that…

o God always knows what is taking place and always has a plan of rescue and redemption.

Hab. 3 is Habakkuk’s prayer after God spoke to him. It is filled with:

• Petition – v. 2 – revive Your work in the midst of the years! In wrath remember mercy!

• Testimony – of God’s faithfulness and power – v. 3-15 – God came …(Selah) His glory covered the heavens and the earth was full of His praise; His brightness was like the light. He had rays flashing from His hand and there His power was hidden …He stood and measured the earth. He looked and startled the nations … His ways are everlasting … In every verse we see a reaction of bowing down, or making a way for the Lord to do as He will, to deal with His justice and mercy upon nations, nature, individuals!

• Humility – v. 16 – When I heard, my body trembled [internally with awe]; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered my bones; and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble. When He comes up to the people, He will invade them with His troops.

o Our own righteousness is recognized as filthy rags and we find ourselves dropping to our knees to receive His strength and righteousness.

o We enter into His rest as He settles our soul’s distress and anxiety with His peace.

o We understand He has a plan and is moving to bring it about.

• Declaration of Faith towards God – v. 17-19 (which we began with)

o Faith rejoices (triumphs) even when things seem barren.

 Pro. 23:16 – Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when Your lips speak right things.

 Ps. 28:7 – The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him.

o Faith finds joy (exult; be glad) in delays

 Joel 2:21-23 – Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice for the LORD will do great things! Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; for the open pastures are springing up, and the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their strength. Be glad then, you children of Zion and rejoice in the Lord your God; for He has given you the former rain faithfully, and He will cause the rain to come down for you – the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

 Zep. 3:17 – The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

o Faith Declares Salvation (rescue, safety, and victory) even before it has happened.

 Hab. 3:18 – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will joy in the God of my salvation!

o Faith Proclaims WHO GOD IS and How He sustains –

 Hab. 3:19 – He is my strength! He makes my feet stable to walk on high places.

What are you facing and what has the Lord spoken to you that you need to write down?