During Life's Trials, We Can Still Thank God ...

"Don't ever buy into the idea that everything God prompts His followers to do will be uncomplicated or low-cost. Sometimes God asks His children to carry heavy loads, as He did with the apostle Paul. But even--and often especially--under those backbreaking burdens, God's purposes are fulfilled. When our (whispered) task is tough, the reward of knowing we've helped further His Kingdom and bettered our broken world is all the sweeter.

"If you ever find yourself with a difficult assignment, why not try giving God thanks for trusting you with something that needs your particular strength. He assigns tasks to the right person every time. He did it throughout history, and He still does it today. As you walk whatever potholed path He has asked you to walk, never forget the tough journey that Jesus Himself once made. ...Christ was asked to bear the most difficult assignment of all--to lay down His life as a redemptive sacrifice for humankind. He chose to obey. And because of His obedience, you and I enjoy our redemption today."   -Bill Hybels' The Power of a Whisper (p.110-111)

Are you feeling depressed, discouraged, maybe over-burdened? And, even though you are feeling this way, what would you say if I told you should "be thankful to God" anyhow? Sounds crazy, doesn't it? Let me refer you to the Book of Habakkuk in your Bible to show you where I am coming from; specifically Habakkuk 3:17-19.

The book of Habakkuk was written against a backdrop of apostasy, judgment and unbelievable hardship. It was written during a time when Jehoiakim the king of Judah led the people back into idolatry and away from the Lord.  As a result, God is preparing to judge the nation. Habakkuk is having trouble understanding why God would use a heathen nation like Babylon to punish His people. He cannot understand why God doesn't just purge their sins and draw them back to Himself and to righteousness.

Habakkuk is a lot like Job. He argues his case, but in the end, he realizes that God is not to be worshiped merely because of the temporal, material and physical blessings of life, but simply for Who He is. Thus, he ends his words with a song of thanksgiving to God for Who He is, and for the unchanging benefits that belong to those who know Him! Habakkuk had reason to fret, but he chose to be thankful instead!

The keywords of these verses are “although” and “yet.” Habakkuk is saying, “I sure don’t understand all that is happening, but I am going to thank God anyhow!” I want to take these verses and show you that regardless of how things may look on the surface, we have a reason to thank God, anyhow!

In Habakkuk 3:17-18, the message is: Even though things are going badly all around, we should thank God, because His sovereignty never changes. Look at it this way. Circumstances change, but God never does (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17)!  You can say, "I may not be able to rejoice in my situation, but I can always rejoice in my Sovereign!" Sure, Habakkuk is painting a bleak portrait of the future in these verses, but he looks away to a God Who is always the same!

And, God is The One we can depend on in desperate times; we can trust in troublesome times; we can believe during unbelievable times; we can lean on Him at all times! We may not always know what He is doing (Isaiah 55:8-9); but we can always trust Him to do what is right (Genesis 18:25). We may always understand His plan, but we can trust Him to have the best plan (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28).

Habakkuk 13:18 also tells us to thank God, because His salvation never ceases. Think: "Things might get bad in this life, but things do not affect my salvation!" Salvation doesn't depend on things going well. Salvation rests solely on the grace and power of God! For sure, life is uncertain at best, (e.g., one phone call, or doctor’s visit can change everything), salvation is eternal in nature.

The word “salvation” applies to more than just the soul. The word also means “deliverance and rescue." That reminds me that this world is not my home. He is coming to rescue and deliver His children on day! Yes, things may get bad here, but this world is not our home (Philippians 3:20).  We are headed to a better land, (Revelation 21-22). Praise God, the Lord has been good here, but the best is yet to come (1 Peter 1:3-4)!

Finally, Habakkuk 13:19 tells us to thank God, because His strength never collapses. Here's something good to know. Our strength doesn't lie within us. The Lord is our strength (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 40:31; Philippians 4:13). When we are unable to stand, He enables us. When we can’t go on, He helps us. When we are in the deep valley; He leads us to higher ground.

Habakkuk is telling us that God enables him to rise above his circumstances. And, that God gives him the strength to stand above the battle, and to enjoy precious freedom in the Lord!  In other words, he is saying, “God turns my doubts to shouts! And He gives me peace in midst of my problems!” That is what God did for Job (Job 1:20-21); and Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9). And, that is what He can and will do for you!

In conclusion, in his trials, Habakkuk learned a valuable lesson. He learned a lesson that all of God’s children need to learn. He learned that God is both our salvation and our song (Isaiah 12:1-2; Exodus 15:2; Psalm 118:4).  He learned that he had nothing to fear from life, but that he had a real reason to be thankful anyhow!

Dear friends, if you are saved, you possess every reason to be thankful that Habakkuk possessed.  So, regardless of what you might be facing today, look to God, lean on God and be "thankful anyhow!"

Prayer: Dear Lord, I am so very grateful for all you have given me. Thank you for being there for me in my darkest hours. Please continue to be beside me as I face the unknown. Amen

God bless you!

Kate