Praise Him No Matter What!

“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” Habakkuk 17-18

The book of Habakkuk was written against a backdrop of unbelievable hardship for the nation of Judah. It was during the time king Jehoiakim led the people back into idolatry and away from the Lord and as a result God’s judgment was imminent upon Judah. A cloud of desperation and frustration was hanging over the nation. But Habakkuk, instead of looking down in desperation decided to up to God.

Habakkuk is painting a bleak portrait of the future, but he looks away to a God Who is always the same! The One we can depend on in desperate time; we can trust in troublesome time; the one we can believe in during unbelievable times-we can lean on Him at all times!

Faith in God is not burying our head in the sand neither is it ignoring reality. But it’s about having confidence that even when our world is ‘collapsing’ in front of our eyes; there is a God in heaven who is in control! We may not be able to rejoice in our situation, but we can always rejoice in the Great God who changes not.

We may not always know what He is doing, but we can always trust Him to do what is right, We may not always understand His plan, but we can trust Him to have the best plan, Jer. 29:11 says I “know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you…” No matter how things may appear, God is still in control.  He still knows best and He always does what is right.

In conclusion, Habakkuk is showing us that in spite of it all we can find joy in God our Savior. God’s salvation does not depend on circumstances around us; neither does it depend on things going well. It is not tied to earthly contentment; it rests solely on the grace and power of God.

Life is uncertain at best, but Salvation is eternal in nature. Things can get pretty bad here but it’s good to remember one thing: God is in control. You can depend on Him in desperate time and you can trust in Him during troublesome times. Just purpose to rejoice in the God of our Salvation; arise and praise Him no matter what!

By Pastor John Mbochi
Immanuel Worship Center
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