Stan and I were again together at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. As we waited for Ricky to bring what we wanted for breakfast, Stan asked, “Are you familiar with Habakkuk?”
“Habakkuk?” I replied. “I’m not sure. Is that the name of that new Japanese restaurant over on Middlefield Road?”
“No,” Stan responded, “it’s an Old Testament book in the Bible.”
“Oh,” I said a bit embarrassed. “No, I don’t remember much about that. Why do you ask?”
“I was looking at it the other day,” Stan replied, “and I saw something that makes me want to be just like Habakkuk.”
“Just like him? In what way?”
“To choose to rejoice in God regardless of what’s going on in my life.”
“Rejoice in God regardless of what’s going on? That’s not easy.”
“Who said it’s supposed to be easy?” Stan asked. “Easy doesn’t have anything to do with it. Regardless of what was going on, Habakkuk chose to rejoice. I’m to make the same choice!”
_________________________________
Bible verses to consider:
Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4.
But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy, . . . . Galatians 5:22-23.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you chose to give Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you so I can rejoice over that life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I tend to grumble over what’s going on rather than rejoice.Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in choosing to rejoice in you and your provision regardless of what is going on in my life. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Do you rejoice in God’s salvation because you have accepted His free and gracious provision of life with Him, the life that begins here and will continue forever? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with rejoicing in God and His provision regardless of what may be going on in your life? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to rejoice in your salvation, but to rejoice in Him regardless of what is going on in your life? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling about what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?
Each daily writing speak to my heart so deeply.
Thank you Stan
I have been suffering serious insomnia, try so many methods to deal and handling… i felt so depressed and so frustrating… by reading each daily message, I am encouraged and will continue to obey God to do what I should do.