Hard Times

Trusting God in Hard Times (Hab. 3:2-6, 17-19) God’s ways, using Babylon to punish Judah, did not seem just to Habakkuk Reference to fig tree, vine, etc. relates to Hosea 2:9-13, punishment for false worship (see also Jer. 8:13, Joel 1:5-12, to awaken, Amos 4:9, to call back) God sometimes permits difficulties (Job 24:11-12) He reacted with anger/confusion (Hab. 1:13) But then he looked back at what God has done, how He has demonstrated His power and how He has been faithful, just and merciful. Ultimately he decided to wait on and trust in God (Hab. 2:1), and more than that, to rejoice in God (Hab. 3:18, Ps. 13:5, 31:7, Isa. 25:9). Rejoice in all circumstances We are told to rejoice always (Isa. 61:10-11, 1 Thes. 5:16, Phil. 4:4) Whatever our circumstance at a particular time, each day of life is still a gift from God (Ps. 118:24) Paul understood what it meant to rejoice in difficult circumstances (Acts 16:22-34, Beaten, imprisoned, yet sang songs of praise, see also Rom. 5:1-5) The loss of “creature comforts” usually leads to mourning (Hos. 2:11-12) The key is the source of your joy. Is it God or other things? Jesus said that we cannot live by bread alone We do not live by “blind” faith. We live trusting in one who has demonstrated His faithful throughout the generations!