Fig trees may no longer bloom, or vineyards produce grapes;
olive trees may be fruitless, and harvest time a failure;
sheep pens may be empty, and cattle stalls vacant –
but I will still celebrate because the LORD God saves me.
The LORD gives me strength.
He makes my feet as sure as those of a deer,
and he helps me stand on the mountains. Habakkuk 3:17-19 (CEV)
This could be the Scripture to describe our current economy! At least the way it is being painted!
The prophet Habakkuk says things are bad. Crops are failing. Food is scarce. He is giving his ‘state of the union’ assessment here at the end of his prophetic writing. It seems like prophets always have a ‘tough’ message to deliver. They do not get the “Everything is going to be all right. Prosperity is coming!†No, prophets rarely get those messages.
It is tough right now. Many people are out of work. Many have been employed by the same company for 10-15 years and with cutbacks…they have been cut. There are still groceries to be bought. Mortgages or rent due. School supplies needed. Illnesses still occur.
Habakkuk says he is still going to be more than happy because he has God. I talk to people every day who think that response to our daily situation is ludicrous. The numbers do not add up! There’s more month than money!
I don’t think that God wants us to ignore numbers but the first question is: Do I begin my assessment with prayer? Do I turn to God first? Do I ask for His wisdom and understanding? Do I just go with the emotion of the situation or do I seek God’s peace and focus and truth and then look at the numbers? Where does faith fit into my equation?
Habakkuk speaks of what God gives. He speaks of God’s strength that will help me to work extra the job or walk the extra blocks to save money. Or maybe to spend some extra time on my knees asking for His help! Habakkuk says that God will make my steps sure so that I do not wander aimlessly in confusion and uncertainty. Now that is something we need right now!
If your days seems difficult and life is uncertain…then instead of increasing worry…increase your time with God! That is a good investment! That is a stimulus package!!! It has Holy Spirit stimulus! Standing with God means we do stand on mountains. God lives on mountains not in pits!
So while you may listen to the news or listen to the President’s news conference, make sure you spend more time listening to God than you do listening to a man/woman. Remember who God is! Remember who you are to Him! Live life as a child of God! Live with knowledge of the Hope that you have!
