Daniel Webster used to meet with his friends regularly to discuss literature. He once remarked to his friends that the words in Habakkuk 3:17‑18 were the most beautiful words ever written in literature. Imagine that, sitting around the fireplace next to Daniel Webster and his friends. Him opening the Bible and reading that verse in Habakkuk: “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 pasture, and no cattle in the stalls. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
I agree with Daniel Webster. Those are some of the most beautiful and reassuring words in Scripture – no, in all literature. But now, try something: Read these verses again. Only this time, insert your own name. “Although ‘my’ fig tree shall not blossom, and neither shall fruit be on ‘my’ vines...” (and so on). Now I realize you probably don’t have cattle in your stalls or sheep in your pens, but just bear with Habakkuk here... “Although there shall be no herd in ‘my’ stalls, yet will I rejoice...” Incredible! We are to rejoice in the Lord! “...I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Pretty powerful, huh? And after inserting your name in that verse, you can see why Daniel Webster thought it was so beautiful. In fact, Mr. Webster had something to say about that last verse. He noted that the Hebrew word used for "rejoice" in verse 18 is interchangeable with the words “triumph” and “joyful.” In other words, “I will be triumphant, happily triumphant in God” — even though my bank account’s low, stocks are down, bills are high, pickings are slim, and the refrigerator’s empty.
Yet God wants us to feel triumphant and to hold onto joy. Why? Because then God has a chance to come shining through... to show that He can be our Rescuer, our Deliverer. God wants to demonstrate His miraculous provision in your life.
It happened to Daniel Webster time and again. He had many years of slim pickings. His family suffered greatly in the early years our nation was being established. Living on the edge of the frontier was full of danger. Mr. Webster really did have empty stalls and he really did have bare vineyards. Literally! Yet God was his joy. And his triumph.
You don’t live on the frontier, but your faith today is on the edge of a frontier, especially if your pickings are slim and times are hard. Is it asking a lot to hold onto joy? Maybe... but if you say your name in that verse from Habakkuk, you can’t help but sense joy and confidence in Christ rising. After all, He delights in being your Deliverer.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
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