"Choices"

January 25, 2012

“Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit, and though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren, even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be happy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17, 18)

Habakkuk must have been a delightful person to be around because he chose to be positive and to praise God in spite of his dire circumstances mentioned in this scripture. Our draught the past few years in east Texas has been the worst on record we have had in east Texas. Yet, all of our fig trees were not destroyed; nor all the fruit crops failed; nor all the fields did not lie barren; nor were all the livestock gone. All of these things happened in Habakkuk’s day. Yet, he chose to focus on God’s goodness and be happy in the God of His salvation. Habakkuk knew Jehovah God had everything under control and would take good care of him.

When we have God as our Savior we have all we need and we too should rejoice in His goodness. Our focus should be upward toward Jehovah-Jireh (our Provider), instead of horizontal, looking at all the lack and problems around us. Choose and practice to look at the goodness and faithfulness of our Father to supply our need, and to be Savior Who will save us from our enemies. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy by choosing to focus on the negative in others and in circumstances. As it says in Minirth’s and Meier’s book, “Happiness is a Choice,” and Joshua encouraged the Children of Israel to “Choose today who you will serve.” Are we choosing to “serve” the negatives in our lives? Why would we when all the promises of God in Christ say “yes and so be it” (II Corinthians 1:20), and a positive outlook is healthy for the spirit, soul and body?

To be around someone who thanks and praises God in whatever their circumstances is like taking a long drink of cool water on a hot day – refreshing! When the worst circumstances come into our lives, that is the best time to “rejoice in the Lord” and know that “The Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and Truth endure to all generations” (Psalm 100:5), and to praise Him for His salvation and provision. That sincere praise is a loud testimony to all those who are watching our life that our faith is strong in a never failing God Who will answer all of our prayers, and provide all of our needs according to all of His riches in Christ Jesus (Phil.4:19), regardless of the dire circumstances around us. Choose today to be that long drink of cool water to someone who is “dry.”

PSALM 103

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and don’t forget any of His benefits – Who forgives every one of all of your sins; Who heals each one of all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit of corruption; Who beautifies, dignifies and crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation with good things so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s (strong, overcoming, soaring)! (Amp.)