Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength.

Habakkuk 3:17-19a

Why in the world did our Bible study leader pick the seemingly unimportant book of Habakkuk to study? In the majority of the book we just see complaints about the upcoming trials of the people of Israel. What could I learn from that? I did not anticipate picking up much from this short little book in the Old Testament.

I have to admit my error as I read through the whole book not just once, but many more times. At first Habakkuk cries out his distress to the Lord, he lets God know exactly how he feels about all of it. Then, he dries up his tears and acknowledges God’s greatness. He knew tough times were a certainty, but he penned that little word, “yet.”

“Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”  What? How did rejoicing and joy have a part in impending gloom and doom?

It made me think. What had come before my “yet?” Well, my dad passing away, moving shortly thereafter to a place with a high crime rate, my mother’s health, missing my daughter who no longer lived close were all right up there. 

What comes after my “yet?” I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 

Just like Habakkuk, I accept my situation and look above for strength and healing. I still know what comes before my “yet,” but I know even more how to get through it and who will get me through it.

Just like Habakkuk, I felt my whole world falling apart. Life as I knew it no longer existed and yet, I look to the Lord for comfort, strength, and guidance. He does not disappoint.

God, you truly are my strength. You are with me in the struggles and provide me with the “yet.”

Susan P.