For even though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines, the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food, the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
–Habakkuk 3:17-18
Without crisis, we have no need of rescuing.
There can be no hero without a villain. There can be no understanding of plenty without scarcity. There is no need for salvation without dire circumstances.
If you are at the edge of a sheer cliff, if your harvest is weeds, your herds are missing, or lions are in your den, then you are in need of a saving hand.
Revelation 3:17 paints a picture of people who think they don’t need God.
You say, ‘I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;’ and don’t know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.
Every human who has ever lived needs rescuing from sin. But those who put their faith in earthly riches, who never ask for divine help, will never have the pleasure of being swept off their feet by the God of the universe.
Jesus came to save the lost; He said so. So be on the lookout. Stay hopeful. There is joy - not in your pain, but in your hope, in the expectation that God will come through with His magnificent plan. He will sweep us off our feet and steady us with His saving hand.
We can take joy in knowing that in His own way, God will rescue what has been lost.
Prayer
Dear God, Please save me from everything that threatens my eternal salvation. Jesus is the only hero I will ever need. In Jesus’ lovely name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
What troubles do I want God to sweep away? I will hand over those expectations and ask Him to rescue me in whatever way He deems best.