September 1st, 2008
SEPTEMBER 1 OUR CHOICE
HABAKKUK 3:17-18 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crops 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.”
Ever have a really bad day where all the blessings of God are shrouded with a dark cloud of misplaced items, a missed appointment, burned toast, clogged drains, a lost file, or a dented fender? Maybe you are among those who deal daily with poor health, being a single parent or unemployment. Habakkuk was having a bad time of great magnitude. He chose to rejoice. How many of us do the same? After a bad day or week, I am more likely to complain to God about the unfairness of life. I set aside His goodness to me in the past and grumble about the cares of today. Whether our circumstances are trivial or major burdens, the key is how we react. Another Old Testament prophet, Nehemiah, said, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” In the New Testament, Paul echoes the words of these prophets admonishing us to “Rejoice always and again, I say rejoice” and “give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you.” Rejoicing sounds so much better than fretting or venting our anger at God. The choice is ours.
Father, I never like myself when I grumble or complain. Strengthen me in the habit of rejoicing in you at all times. In Jesus Name