You can be as surefooted as a deer!
Life is hard. Last week my cousin was diagnosed with cancer. In a moment of time, his world was turned upside down. Ten days later, he passed away leaving his family devastated from the shock.
How do you go on when everything is stripped away from you?
The prophet, Habakkuk, trembled. His legs gave way beneath him. He shook in terror. It’s normal to feel afraid in the dark. We all have those moments when life doesn’t make sense. And God feels far away.
Habakkuk called it his even though moments. Back then it was starvation because crops failed and priceless livestock died.
- Even though the fig trees have no blossoms
- Even though there are no grapes on the vine
- Even though the olive crop fails
- Even though the fields lie empty and barren
- Even though the flocks die and the barns are empty
What might our even-though moments look like today?
- Even though the diagnosis is bleak
- Even though there’s no money in the bank
- Even though the investment failed
- Even though loved ones die
- Even though relationships are shattered
Even though Habakkuk faced the worst of times, he remembered God was his “salvation” and “strength.” His “personal bravery” and “invincible army” who would fight these battles for him.
Habakkuk was shaken but his faith was not quenched. He fought back with praise, choosing to exult in the darkness.
How do you do that when your world’s falling apart? You offer intentional praise whether you feel like it or not.
After reminding himself who God was, Habakkuk declared the ways God would help him.
- HE MAKES MY FEET LIKE HINDS’ FEET
- HE MAKES ME WALK, NOT STAND STILL IN TERROR
- HE MAKES ME PROGRESS SPIRITUALLY ON HIGH PLACES OF TROUBLE, SUFFERING AND RESPONSIBILITY
Trouble tries to hold us back. To blind us from the love and sovereignty of God.
Habakkuk shows us the way to hold it together. EXULT! Leap for joy in triumph.
When you choose to praise, you’ll make spiritual progress. You’ll be as surefooted as a deer walking and leaping confidently up the mountain.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Ps. 28:7
God is our Warrior. Making us brave as He fights our battles. As we praise Him through the darkness, He will cause us to walk steadily along. Our feet won’t slip and our ankles won’t turn.
If we jump for joy in the face of trouble, it’s possible to overcome the obstacles of life. Rising to a higher plane of trust in God.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up. Isaiah 43:2
When you learn to exult, you can take that promise to the bank!