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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. 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights. -- Habakkuk 3:17-19 ESV v17-19 - Crop failure and the death of animals would devastate Judah, But Habakkuk affirmed that even in the times of starvation and loss, he would still rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk’s feelings were not controlled by the events around him but by faith in God’s ability to give him strength. When nothing makes sense, and when troubles seem more than you can bear, remember that God gives strength. Take your eyes off your difficulties and look to God. v19 - God will give his followers strength and confidence in difficult times. They will run surefooted as deer across rough and dangerous terrain. At the proper time, God will bring about his justice and completely rid the world of evil. In the meantime, God’s people need to live in the strength of his Spirit, confident in his ultimate victory over evil. v19 - Habakkuk had asked God why evil people prosper while the righteous suffer. God’s answer: They don’t, not in the long run. Habakkuk saw his own limitations in contrast to God’s unlimited power and control of all the world’s events. God is alive and in control of the world and its events. We cannot see all that God is doing, and we cannot see all that God will do. But we can be assured that he is God and will do what is right. Knowing this can give us confidence and hope in a confusing world. --- Life Application Study Bible notes --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER Heavenly Father, Guard my heart from discouragement. You are my steadfast rock in uncertainty and my hope in discouragement. Help me to rejoice just as Habakkuk prayed. Teach me to be joyful in You even if the fig tree doesn’t blossom, there are no grapes on the vines and the olive crop fails. As You always have brought me through tough times, show me Your way. In Jesus’ name Amen