Waist Deep 2018 - August 6

Habakkuk 3: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my savior. (NIV)

That which separates us from our other comforts should drive us so much the nearer to God, the fountain of
all comfort.*

Habakkuk lists a number of misfortunes that might be about to befall him: fig trees and grape vines that fail to produce; olive and farm crop failure; no sheep or cattle in the pens – in other words, total economic collapse - but he declares that he will rejoice in the Lord, even if life is “stripped of that which gives natural joy and satisfaction.”*

A very dear friend recently received confirmation that her only kidney – a transplanted one at that – has failed and she must go on dialysis. Her attitude at this news echoes Habakkuk’s. She is praising God and looking for how he can be glorified through her troubles.

It is a struggle to find reasons to rejoice when it seems we have been singled out to suffer. Like my friend, Habakkuk isn’t just an example of the power of positive thinking.* His secret: “The focus of his faith.”* His love and faith did not depend upon God’s fulfillment of his wishes. His source of joy was his faith that God was the God of salvation.*

God has many attributes that provide us with hope and comfort but when we face the loss of all that matters in this world, it is in God the Savior that we can rejoice.

May praise and worship of You be my first response to every circumstance.*