Though the fig tree does not blossom,
and there is no yield on the vines,
Though the olive crop fail,
and the fields produce no food,
the flock is cut off from the fold,
and there is no cattle in the stalls.
Yet will I triumph in Adonai,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17-18, TLV
Context. We know little about Habakkuk other than he was deemed a “minor prophet” during the years before Judah’s exile into Babylonia. The prophet’s name comes from a Hebrew word meaning “embrace.” The first half of Habakkuk is controversial in that as the prophet sees the coming destruction, he asks the Lord: “How could this be happening to us?” Essentially, “Why, God?”
But, our passage today is taken from the final chapter of this short book. A song of praise where this “minor” prophet gives a beautiful example of faith. Habakkuk embraces the judgment about to fall upon Judah and says, “Yet will I triumph in the LORD!” Even though everything around him fails, yet he “will rejoice in the God of my salvation!” Although Israel must wait for God to judge their oppressors, God will judge their enemies.
Today, we may be asking God “why” or “how could this.” And, that’s okay, God is big enough to handle our fear and doubt. Just remember to add the “YET” and “EVEN THOUGH” to those prayers.
As sometimes happens between the LORD and I, when I awoke this morning I was singing the chorus of this song. Part of Habakkuk’s song speaks of ancient mountains being shattered, yet God’s ways are everlasting. I share this song for anyone who may be struggling through a difficult time and might be asking God why.
It’s okay to admit to our questions and doubt, and to God, but we just can’t remain there. We must turn our eyes back to our Heavenly Father. Choose to say, “Yet! and Even though!” Remember that we see with temporal eyes. He sees with eternal.
Let’s embrace what comes, and like Habakkuk, say, “Yet, I will rejoice because He is the God of our salvation.”
Shabbat shalom and please remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and all Israel.
