April 1st, 2018

Leap for Joy

"Though the fig tree may not blossom nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the field yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herds in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my Salvation.  

The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills."  Habakkuk 3:17-18

These verses depict how one can be in a place of doubt, fear, confusion, weakness, etc.  As Habakkuk  looked over the city  he could see the circumstances looked grave.  He knew that destruction of a Babylonian attack would be devastating - that the land may become barren. He became overwhelmed by the circumstances all about him.  His mind was consumed with the iniquity and the violence.  But Habakkuk went to the Lord with his petitions.  The result was he became no longer controlled or anxious over the circumstances.  His sight was now on God.    

 Habakkuk says  "Yet he will find joy in the God of his salvation."  The Hebrew word for joy is (gil) pronounced geel.  This verb originally meant "to spin around with intense motion".  It is joy put in motion or leaping for joy.  Thus Habakkuk expresses a magnificent truth that one can put "joy" in motion and turn doubt to faith, confusion to understanding and fear to great hope.

Is anyone experiencing fear, confusion, doubt? Like Habakkuk, know it is acceptable to our precious Lord to tell him of our difficulties in our present situations. Talk with the Father about it.  Spill out your heart. Know God's word here, that there may be no blossoms on the fig tree, or food in the fields, or herds in their stalls, but you can look above your circumstances and find joy in the God of your salvation.

Do not be ashamed if you experience these things.  The important thing is that you go intimately to Him, listening and waiting upon Him to show you the way.  He never changes.  He never leaves or forsakes you.  He will not fail you even when you feel like failure.  Remember, failure can be the first step to victory, when we listen and watch and wait and hear to see what He will tell us. Thus, the lies that say we are fearful, doubtful, failures etc. will die.

Continue to go to Him no matter how long it takes. He will spring forth newness and freshness and leap you forward to glorify Him and to further Kingdom purposes. 

 

I am so thankful to our Lord, that even when the circumstances around us look grave, God never changes.  He will save you from your wretched place. Wait upon Him for the answer. Then "leap for joy." He will make "your feet like deer's feet and make you walk on high hills".