God is my salvation and strength
I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:16-19
From the text, Habakkuk was weakening when he “heard” about the coming judgment (v. 2), and he quivered. This is drawing a true, respectful estimate of God’s Word. He was awed in taking it seriously. Habakkuk was reduced to a sense of utter inadequacy as to his own ability. His inner being was rocked by fear, his lips quivered, and “legs gave way beneath” him. Nothing within him was adequate. God’s message of judgment because of the peoples’ sin seized him in its powerful grip. Yet, in the midst of all these overwhelming feelings within, He still trusted the Lord. Though the situation was bleak, He will remain faithful to God. When the invader occupies the land, plant life is stripped, and animals vanish from fold and stall. Some Judeans have been driven into the hills in search of hiding places, others seized by the enemy for food, and some were scattered. For people who lived off the produce of the area, the situation is very dark with disaster. Yet, Habakkuk did not lose perspective of God’s working in trying times like what the Israelites will be facing. His prayer casts light across the darkness. “I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Joy at its essence is the good cheer of the believer that springs from a confidence that resources in the Lord are sufficient whatever the circumstance. His optimism was due to his past experiences were God always pulled through during difficult times (see vv. 3-15). God as the believer’s strength is the stability to keep him from slipping and falling to spiritual ruin. Treacherous troubles could cause one to falter or fall headlong, but God is able to provide a strong footing for “The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (Psalm 27:1). He is a God of personal possession; “my salvation” and “my strength.”
Blessings
