With summer in full swing, most of us are enjoying the change of pace from the rigid structure of the school year. Some are having swim days, some are hanging out at the beach, and some may be planning a trip to grandma’s house. Some of us may be grandma’s house and are preparing to be invaded! However your summer is beginning, it is a good time to take stock, to stop and think through things with a fresh perspective and to ponder deeply.
Though I am anticipating summer fun, I have been pondering and taking stock of where I find my joy. Habakkuk, the initially discontent prophet, has provided rich instruction for me. Habakkuk questioned God’s plan to punish His chosen people’s idolatry by using their enemies. God, ever merciful, reveals his plan of salvation, promising that though he is correcting His children, He will continue His covenant love to them and eventually judge their enemies also. God showed this prophet that He can be trusted to handle all situations, not matter how bad things get. Habakkuk’s response of faith toward God, which compose the final verses of this short book are astounding to me. Habakkuk 3:17-19 “Though the fig tree does not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God the Lord is my strength, he makes my feet like the deer’s, He makes me tread on high places.” Next week we will unpack how this prophet came to such a confident, restful place of peace and joy in dire circumstances. In the meantime, here are a few questions I have been asking of my heart and perhaps you can join me: 1. Am I tempted to question God’s handling of any circumstances in my life or in the lives of those in our sphere of care? 2. What kind of circumstances am I tempted to “take joy in" as a pastor’s wife? Consider this as food for thought as you sip lemonade and enjoy the kids or grandkids. May God work in us more faith and joy in Him.
Though I am anticipating summer fun, I have been pondering and taking stock of where I find my joy. Habakkuk, the initially discontent prophet, has provided rich instruction for me. Habakkuk questioned God’s plan to punish His chosen people’s idolatry by using their enemies. God, ever merciful, reveals his plan of salvation, promising that though he is correcting His children, He will continue His covenant love to them and eventually judge their enemies also. God showed this prophet that He can be trusted to handle all situations, not matter how bad things get. Habakkuk’s response of faith toward God, which compose the final verses of this short book are astounding to me. Habakkuk 3:17-19 “Though the fig tree does not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God the Lord is my strength, he makes my feet like the deer’s, He makes me tread on high places.” Next week we will unpack how this prophet came to such a confident, restful place of peace and joy in dire circumstances. In the meantime, here are a few questions I have been asking of my heart and perhaps you can join me: 1. Am I tempted to question God’s handling of any circumstances in my life or in the lives of those in our sphere of care? 2. What kind of circumstances am I tempted to “take joy in" as a pastor’s wife? Consider this as food for thought as you sip lemonade and enjoy the kids or grandkids. May God work in us more faith and joy in Him.
