Habakkuk 3:17-19, “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.”
When was the last time you were in a situation where you didn’t know what to do or how to do it? Maybe you felt overwhelmed and needed an answer as you prayed and prayed asking God for His direction and help because nothing made sense. Think about Habakkuk who told God he needed Him to act now, please, and had originally asked God “how long must I call for help?” He expressed two complaints to God, which God answered each time. Then, in chapter 3, Habakkuk sang a prayer of praise to God for answering his questions, as God had spoken words of hope to him, and discovered the joy of living by faithfulness to God.
Are you seeing a change in direction in your life? Habakkuk experienced that firsthand and accepted God’s help and mercy. Trusting in God, even though he had struggles and doubts, God revealed Himself to Habakkuk, and gave him strength. Habakkuk learned that living by faith is required and refocused his primary goal on being faithful to God. Trusting God, no matter what, leads to quiet hope and peace rather than bitterness, which is eloquently expressed in verses 17-19.
In verse 19, “surfooted as a deer” was a picture of a deer moving over rugged terrain and slopes without stumbling. Deer’s are known for their quick reactions and powerful leaps. So, by applying your faith in God, He will provide and enable you, as a Christian, to overcome obstacles and rise above challenges that would otherwise seem impossible. “Deerlike feet represent the capacity to rise above adversity and gain clarity through a higher viewpoint.” Biblehub/com/q/what_does_feet_like_a-deer_mean.htm.
How do you need to apply living by faithfulness today? It doesn’t mean passively sitting around waiting for a miracle. Isaiah 40:31 states, “But those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Our responsibility is to live by faith, pure and simple. Trust in God, who will reveal His plan daily, even if it might be to wait for it.
Habakkuk learned resilience and faith despite challenges all around him with injustice and political and cultural distress. As an example, he saw and lived through crop failures, the deaths of animals, and starvation and loss, yet he still praised the LORD. When nothing makes sense, and life seems uncertain, three things need to be remembered, which give one hope: (1) The righteous live by faith. (2) God will deal with evil. (3) Worship God’s name. Yes, even though things look bad, God will give you strength and will take you to new heights you have not yet understood. Our understanding is limited so ask God to reveal Himself to you as you read His Word. God is sovereign, and His ways are not our ways. We cannot see the total picture of what God is doing, as He told Habakkuk in chapter 1, verse 5: “For I am doing something in your own day, something you would not believe even if someone told you about it.”
In the end, we need to affirm and trust in God’s almighty power, which gives us hope and endurance, developing and transforming our character, in our ever-changing and confusing world. Even though we have struggles and doubts, we too should sing, “Yet will I 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 3:18-19.
Listen to Anne Wilson, Chris Tomlin – The Cross (Official Lyric Video).
https://youtu.be/erxFK2KX3Og?si=lOenIELpl3BLu2uu