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Habakkuk 3:17-19 - The Truth About Happiness.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT) Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

INTRODUCTION

Crop failure and the death of animals would devastate Judah. But Habakkuk affirmed that even in the times of starvation and loss, he would still rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk's feelings were not dominated by the events around him but by faith in God's ability to give him strength. When nothing makes sense and when your troubles seem to be more than you can bear, remember that God gives strength. Take your eyes off your difficulties and look to him. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARLS

   Today's scripture from the book of Habakkuk is a magnificent description of a heart that holds onto joy by faith. The prophet looked around him and knew he was in a season of deep trouble and need. But in spite of all the negative circumstances, he said, "I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be joyful in my God."
   Solomon said, "For the happy heart, life is a continual feast" (Proverbs 15:15, NLT). The psalmist wrote that in the presence of God there is fullness of joy and at His right hand pleasures forevermore (see Psalm 16:11). Jesus said, "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life" (John 10:10, NLT). God wants us to experience joy as believers - not a fickle happiness that depends on circumstances or changes with the wind direction, but a joy that remains in spite of what may be taking place around you.
   Anyone can be relatively happy when things are going well. But when you face adversity or sickness or hardship and then rejoice, you show that something supernatural has occurred in your life. In fact, you show yourself to be a real Christian. This is a unique trait of believers - that we can rejoice when things go wrong.
   How do we do it? We find the key in Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" Paul didn't say to rejoice in circumstances. Rather, he said to rejoice in the Lord. In other words, God is still on the throne. You're still going to heaven. You're still forgiven. God still has a plan for your life; He has not abandoned you. We need to take joy in the Lord always. That is the key. I recognize that in spite of what I maybe going through right now, His plans for me are still good. And He will never leave or forsake me. [Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie]

Rejoice Anyway
   Even if your circumstances do not align with the goodness of God, even if it is hard to see in the dark of cloudy nights, can you still rejoice in the Lord? Can you choose to be joyful in God, your Savior? Isaiah 40:28 states, "The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary."
   In Psalm 90, Moses is quoted as saying, "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." From everlasting to everlasting. The Creator of all things has not changed, nor will he. He is full of mercy, justice, and truth. He is more glorious than we can fathom. Let's rejoice in who he is, for he is better than we can imagine!
   Rejoice in the nature of God even when it is hard to see his goodness in your circumstances. [365 Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub]

Building An "Even If" Faith
   It's hard not to marvel when you read throughout Scripture about people who encountered intense trouble yet went all in with their faith. One less quoted but faithful leader is the prophet Habakkuk. Even in the midst of utter despair, notice the two phrases that Habakkuk repeats three times in his closing prayer:
   "Even though ... "
   "I will ... "
   Habakkuk basically said, "Even though life is desolate and difficult, I will still be joyful and glad because the Lord God is my Savior. I have not lost my faith. In fact, my faith is even greater. I'm still going to rejoice in the Lord. I'm still going to worship God."
   That kind of faith doesn't just have to remain in the pages of Scripture. It can be true of your life, and it can rise in your heart when you see Jesus as the ultimate treasure of your soul.
   Lord, I want to live with an "even if" faith. Help me to be so sure and confident of Your great love that no matter the circum- stance, I stay rooted with You. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Habakkuk 3:17-19 - You Can Always Rejoice In The Lord.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201024-1044.html

Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace Beyond Understanding.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190511-1519.html