Joy Challenge Video Devotional - Day 18: Pastor Kerry Shook
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“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, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT)
Yesterday we looked at the joy of our salvation and discovered a greater understanding of what Biblical salvation really is that brings us so much joy. Isaiah declared that “God is my salvation.” in Isaiah 12:2. That means that salvation is who God is rather than some external gift He offers. Habakkuk understood this and it brought him through a very difficult time. He said, “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, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT)
When we understand that God is our salvation, we find our joy in Him, not just what He does, but in who He is. Anybody can be happy when good things happen, but how often do we experience joy in hard times, when bad things happen? That’s what Habakkuk experienced because his joy was in the LORD.
The other thing I find striking in this passage is when Habakkuk said, “I WILL be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Notice the word “will.” He had a choice, didn’t he? Habakkuk chose joy! You and I can too, even when we go through tough times.
If you look at that verse again, you’ll discover another insight as well. Habakkuk’s joy wasn’t in the failure of his fig trees to blossom, or his vines failing to produce grapes, or the failure of his olive crop, or that his fields were empty and barren and his flocks were dying and his cattle barns were empty. Who would be joyful about that? He certainly wasn’t denying the reality of his misfortune. Here was a guy with the most diversified portfolio. Surely all his investments wouldn’t tank at the same time, but they did. Maybe you can relate. You’re 401K has become a 201K and the retirement years you were dreaming about have shattered. Take heart and choose joy. Like Habakkuk, make the choice - make your declaration of joy. Say it out loud, “I WILL be joyful IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION!” You may want to say that again a little louder. One more time like you mean it.
What’s the point? Like my friend Pastor Rick Warren said, “When everything else stinks in life, you can be joyful because the Lord is your Savior. He will pull you out. You are not alone. He hasn’t abandoned you.” Rather than focusing on what’s lost. Look at what’s left and choose joy! All that other stuff is temporary. Those are just resources God uses in our lives. He alone is our true source! God is our salvation! He will make a way. Don’t wait till then to choose joy. When you choose joy, even before God makes a way, your faith will grow stronger!
Printed copies of The Joy Challenge devotional are available at The Joy Challenge - Kerry Shook Ministries.