A Time of Trouble.

The prophet Habakkuk was given visions of Jerusalem falling by the Babylonians and also the great day of God when he returns to save his people. 

Of the last days of Jerusalem and also the earth, Habakkuk says,

"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!

Is it possible to rejoice in the midst of famine? Can you rejoice when there is no food for humans or animals? Yes, because we can rejoice in knowing who the Lord is and be joyful we will be saved in his kingdom.

How can we do this in a time of great trouble?  The next verse explains how.

"The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights."    Habakkuk 3:17-19

God gives us the strength. He will make our way as sure as a deer's way in the forest. Sure-footed means: not likely to stumble, slip or fall. Have you ever seen a deer running through the forest? I have, and it amazes me how they leap through the dense underbrush of brush and fallen trees and yet do not fall. They don't look down while they run - they look ahead to where they are going. This is a good analogy for us. Don't look down - look up to Jesus and you won't fall.

This time of trouble will take place just before Jesus returns.

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book."
 Daniel 12:1

"Hey, Dummy!"

"Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God."  1 Corinthians 1:27-29

I thought of this verse today, because I am weak, stupid and poor. Thank God he loves people like me.

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:5,6

"You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning.
My God turns my darkness into light.

With your help I can advance towards an army.
With my God I can scale a wall.

As for God, his way is perfect.
The word of the Lord is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer.
He makes me able to stand on the heights."
Psalm 18:28-33

When I feel I am too small to face the troubles of this life, I read the Psalms. Many of them talk of God being our strength.
These Psalms give me peace and rest from turmoil.

"I love you, Oh Lord my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.
He is my God, my rock in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the power of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 18:1-2