Hope Despite All Odds

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. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. —Habakkuk 3:17–19, NIV

The words of Habakkuk 3:17–19 end Habakkuk’s prayer to God during a time of challenges, threats, and chaos as Babylon’s army marched closer to Judah.

The book of Habakkuk is a conversation between the prophet and God during an unprecedented time in the history of God’s people.

We, too, face unprecedented times.

Just as it was for Habakkuk and his people, it is hard for us to make sense of what is happening in our world today. Often our troubles seem more than we can bear.

Yet, through it all, we can remember that our God gives us strength.

As in Habakkuk’s visual of a deer nimbly traversing rough mountain terrain, we can have sure-footed assurance and confidence that God is leading us in the tough times.

Our God is alive and in control of the world and its events.

While we can’t know exactly what or why He is doing what He is doing, we can be assured that He is God—He will always do the right thing.

This assurance gives us confidence and hope during these confusing, distressing times. The prophet Jeremiah also ministered during this period in Judah’s history. He wrote the book of Lamentations after the fall of Jerusalem.

We hear similar pain, sorrow, and despair in his words—but he, too, speaks of God’s faithfulness. See Lamentations 3:17–26.

Today, as we wait upon the Lord, may we experience His purpose for us.

May His presence, His provision, His promises, His protection, and His peace surround us all.

Myrna Hanna