One lousy misshapen green tomato. I was disgusted by the plant I had been watering, and nurturing for months. I had bought large pots, soil and fertilizer to ensure large, lovely tomatoes. My first foray into gardening had not gone well. I had been very hopeful but was so disappointed by the results. I would have been so much more upset if I had been depending on them for survival.
Sometimes we have barren periods in our lives. We look forward to enjoying the fruit of our labors but there is nothing. Perhaps there will be an actual famine in our future. Will we live in fear and negativity as a result?
This passage in Habakkuk says we have a choice to rejoice in the Lord and his victory, despite our poor circumstances. Even if all our comforts and necessities have been stripped away, we can still be strong in God. He can give us all we need through the power of the Holy Spirit to transform a physical low into a spiritual highlight. We need to depend on God, not our intelligence, our family, our good job, or anything else. God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free life if we serve him. He does promise to lovingly walk us through every trial. He promises us a crown of life for those who endure to the end (Revelation 2:10). The Lord is our source of courage and strength. Let us rejoice in him today and always.
Lord, help me to take one day at a time. Thank you that I don’t need to fear the future trials I may face. Help me choose to receive your peace in exchange for anxiety. Help me choose to praise you no matter what I may lack now or in the future. Thank you that I will always have you to be my strength when nothing seems to be going right.
Throughout this Day: Think about whether your trials have brought you closer to God. What is one burden you can give to him right now? Give it to him and receive his joy and strength in exchange.
Photo Credit: Nathan Timblin