Check out all the previous Joy readings here.

Joy Reading Plan | Day 4

Prayer

As you begin your time with God, where you are sitting or standing, put out your hands with your palm facing up. Ask God to speak to you from His word; to give you encouragement and strength for this day.

Bible Reading: Habakkuk 3:17-19

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.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.

Reflection & Questions

If ever there were a reading that showed that Christian joy isn’t found in our circumstances, it is this reading in Habakkuk. The prophet expresses disastrous circumstances for a people reliant on the land and animals for their life – no harvest and no offspring. And what does Habakukk say is his response? “Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

This is an incredible response. To be joyful in disastrous circumstances is amazing. How can he have this attitude? He has rooted himself in the identity and love of God. Notice what he says. “I will rejoice in the LORD.” The word LORD in our translations is actually a substitute for the name of God, YAHWEH. (Check out this video if you’re curious why). The name of God means, “I am who I am.” Literally, it means he is dependent on no one for anything. There is no one who He answers to. Nothing that can stop Him. He is almighty and all powerful. So when Habakkuk says I will rejoice in Yahweh, he is declaring that no problem is too big for his God! But there’s more. He doesn’t just preach to himself about God’s power. He also says, “I will be joyful in God my Savior.” He reminds himself and his readers – that God is a rescuer. One of God’s key characteristics, a key part of His identity is that He saves. So combining the two – we have an all powerful savior. Our problems become opportunities for our God to show his power and love. That’s how we find joy in every circumstance. We rooted ourselves in the identity of our all powerful, all loving, savior Yahweh.

1. Are you experiencing “disasters” in your life right now? Talk to God about them.
2. How could you root yourself and your joy in God’s identity this week rather than in your circumstances?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?