Contemplative Bible Reading

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (New International Version)

¹⁷ 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,

¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

We don’t have the luxury of choosing our circumstances.

Sometimes:

• the fig tree doesn’t bud
• there are no grapes on the vine
• the olive crop fails
• the fields produce no crops
• there are no sheep
• there are no cattle

Or, let’s bring it up to date and to the suburban world:

• the boss gives the other guy the bonus
• the grass grows too long and the lawn mower breaks
• the homeowner’s association cites the house for peeling paint
• the car has an oil leak
• my kid’s teacher wants a conference about bad behavior

Regardless of the circumstances, I can choose to rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in God my Savior.