Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17-18
Have you ever been around a particularly grateful person? These kinds of people can always find something to be grateful for, even in the most challenging circumstances. If you have ever been around someone like this, you know that you rarely, if ever, find them complaining. This is the impact of gratitude. You see, gratitude is the antidote to complaining. When we are grateful, it is impossible to complain and grumble at the same time.
The prophet Habakkuk understood the importance of gratitude, especially in the midst of difficulties and disappointments. In this book of the Bible, Habakkuk laments the sin of Israel that he observed. The Israelites were behaving wickedly in a way that went against God, and Habakkuk was distraught (Habakkuk 1:1-4). God revealed to Habakkuk that as a result of the disobedience of the Israelites, He was going to send the Babylonians to capture the Israelites (Habakkuk 1:5-11). Despite all of these things, God reminded Habakkuk that He was still in control (Habakkuk 2:1-20). In response to these things, Habakkuk chose to focus on God and His good plan instead of Israel’s sin and upcoming captivity. He concluded the book of Habakkuk by saying, "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! (verses 17-18). Even though Habakkuk could not see evidence that God was working, He chose to rejoice and be joyful in God and His salvation. Indeed, God’s plan of salvation for all who turn to Him is something to be grateful for every single day.
We have a choice every day, friends. We can choose grumbling or gratitude. We can choose to complain about our difficult and heartbreaking circumstances, or we can praise God every single day with gratitude for His goodness and gifts, especially salvation. May each of us commit to showing Him gratitude every single day.
Choose today to be particularly grateful. Express your gratitude to God, first and foremost, when you notice the good gifts He has given you. Focus on showing gratitude to the people as well. Let them know how thankful you are for them. Thank people genuinely when they show kindness to you. May you be known as a person who shows profound gratitude.
1This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk:
2 I have heard all about you, Lord.
I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
help us again as you did in years gone by.
And in your anger,
remember your mercy.
3 I see God moving across the deserts from Edom,
the Holy One coming from Mount Paran.
His brilliant splendor fills the heavens,
and the earth is filled with his praise.
4 His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise.
Rays of light flash from his hands,
where his awesome power is hidden.
5 Pestilence marches before him;
plague follows close behind.
6 When he stops, the earth shakes.
When he looks, the nations tremble.
He shatters the everlasting mountains
and levels the eternal hills.
He is the Eternal One!
7 I see the people of Cushan in distress,
and the nation of Midian trembling in terror.
8 Was it in anger, Lord, that you struck the rivers
and parted the sea?
Were you displeased with them?
No, you were sending your chariots of salvation!
9 You brandished your bow
and your quiver of arrows.
You split open the earth with flowing rivers.
10 The mountains watched and trembled.
Onward swept the raging waters.
The mighty deep cried out,
lifting its hands in submission.
11 The sun and moon stood still in the sky
as your brilliant arrows flew
and your glittering spear flashed.
12 You marched across the land in anger
and trampled the nations in your fury.
13 You went out to rescue your chosen people,
to save your anointed ones.
You crushed the heads of the wicked
and stripped their bones from head to toe.
14 With his own weapons,
you destroyed the chief of those
who rushed out like a whirlwind,
thinking Israel would be easy prey.
15 You trampled the sea with your horses,
and the mighty waters piled high.
16 I trembled inside when I heard this;
my lips quivered with fear.
My legs gave way beneath me,
and I shook in terror.
I will wait quietly for the coming day
when disaster will strike the people who invade us.
17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.
(For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)
