Joy in Difficult Times
Habakkuk 3:17-19,
"Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!"
It had been a tough hunt. Elk were plentiful, but things just didn't go right. The first morning two of our hunters made bad shots and grazed bulls with their arrows. The ranch rules read, "if a hunter draws blood, their hunt is over'. The other two hunters had ample opportunities, but passed many good quality bulls, just not great bulls.
The week ended without a bull being harvested. Even with no meat on the pole, the joys were full of joy and celebrating. It had been a hunt of a lifetime.
Habakkuk learned how to trust God and not be affected by the negative stuff going on around him. He found joy even in the most difficult of conditions.
When you and I are in a tight spot and problems are raging all around, there is a sense of uncertainty that tries to envelop the mind. If we are not careful, it is easy to get mentally sidetracked. By focusing on our problems and never looking up, we will fail to experience the peace of God.
Isaiah 26:3 tells us,
"God will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him!"
We need to trust that God has a great plan for our lives, even in the midst of difficult times. Look up and praise Him for a future with Him.
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