Joy: Day One - Perseverance

Celebrate the joy of Advent this December with Lisa Robertson’s daily devotional.

Perseverance

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and 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 the God of my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights. ” Habakkuk 3: 17-19

Habakkuk wrote this passage after the Babylonian invasion had devastated Israel. All of the typical indicators of comfort and security in a Hebrew society - crops, livestock, food - had been eliminated. Despite the devastation, he proclaims the greater reality of God’s sovereignty. His source of hope and strength is in the presence of Almighty God. His determination anchors his joy in God and it gives him the strength to follow Him to new places. Even in times of our own suffering, God is still sovereign.

Lord God, give us eyes to see your reality. When we are devastated, teach us how to persevere in following You. Help us to focus on Your sovereignty and Your love. Amen.