At times it seems that everything around you is collapsing. Endeavors you invested in may fail. People with whom you work may disappoint you. The business or career you worked hard to build may crumble. These times, as difficult as they are, are opportunities to stop and examine what is truly important. Habakkuk wrote, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:17-18).

Habakkuk witnessed the collapse of most of what mattered to him when his country was carried into captivity. Yet through the loss, failure, and disappointment, he was able to distinguish between what was precious to him and what was transitory. He came to the point where he could sincerely say that even if everything around him failed, he still would rejoice in God. If the fig tree bore no fruit; if the vine produced no grapes; if the flocks and herds stopped reproducing; he would still praise God. His praise might not come easily, as he watched everything fall short of his expectations, but he would praise God nonetheless. He could control his own response to God.

Does everything seem to be falling apart around you? You can still praise God. Your praise for Him does not depend on your success but on God’s nature. Be obedient to Him and look past worldly worries to comprehend the reasons you have to praise Him. Please contact us for further study if you would like to know more reasons to praise God.

Kyle Campbell