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! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
-Habakkuk 3:17-19a (NLT)

Toward the end of Habakkuk’s book, the prophet has come to terms with the fact that his people of Judah are going to be overtaken by the Babylonians, a result of their sinfulness and disobedience. Clearly the outlook is pessimistic, and Habakkuk describes life thereafter as one with fruitless trees and vines, plus empty fields and barns.

In this scenario, Habakkuk has basically lost it all — his possessions, his security, his accomplishments. And his first response is to rejoice? What in the world does he have to rejoice about?

And while Habakkuk’s list of devastation does get his point across, admittedly the loss of crops and livestock don’t have as much sting to a modern day audience. I can imagine that his prayer today would sound something like this…

Even though my cell phone is dead and my laptop’s hard drive has crashed; even though my car breaks down and I’m fired from my job for being late to work; even though my credit cards are maxed out and my checking account is in the single digits; even though my mother is sick and my house is being foreclosed on; even though my spouse has left me and the kids blame me…

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.

Habakkuk realized that his feelings were not and should not be controlled by his circumstances, but rather by faith in God’s strength and sovereignty.

And when that trust in the Lord is built, like Habakkuk says, we become like deer on a mountain.  The struggle, pain and affliction we experience won’t be seen as opposition but rather opportunity… Chances to rise above it, live by faith, and see things from a new perspective.

Even though nothing is going to plan, can you still rejoice in the Lord? Even though all hope seems lost, will you still be joyful in the God of your salvation?

Even though…