Habakkuk 3:17-19
Where does true joy come from? For many of us, joy seems tethered to life’s happiest moments—a wedding celebration, the birth of a child, a long-awaited reunion with loved ones, or a career milestone. These are wonderful blessings, but what happens when those moments feel distant, or life becomes marked by hardship and despair? Can joy still exist when the world feels barren?
This question leads us to Habakkuk, a prophet tasked with proclaiming God’s purposes during one of Judah’s darkest seasons. In Habakkuk 3:17-19, we find a profound truth: joy isn’t rooted in ease or circumstance but in trusting the eternal God. Let’s explore how Habakkuk’s journey of questioning, trusting, and rejoicing speaks to us today.
Joy in Unexpected Places
One of the most unforgettable examples of joy I’ve witnessed didn’t come from the expected places of abundance and celebration. It wasn’t during a wedding or a family reunion. It wasn’t tied to professional achievements or festive holidays. It was in the impoverished jungles of Gabon, Africa.
In a place marked by extreme poverty, brokenness, hunger, and violence, joy was alive. The people there, despite their grievous circumstances, made a joyful noise during a church service. They worshiped with a passion that moved me to tears. Their joy wasn’t circumstantial; it was rooted in something eternal. Their faith, their trust in God, was their source of unshakable joy.
How does such joy exist in such grievous conditions? The answer is found in Habakkuk’s story.
From Questioning to Trusting
Habakkuk lived during a time of moral decay and imminent invasion by the Babylonians, a wicked and ungodly nation. Overwhelmed by the brokenness around him, Habakkuk cried out to God:
“O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save?” (Habakkuk 1:2)
Habakkuk’s questioning mirrors the questions we often ask in times of darkness:
Why does God seem silent?
Why do those who reject God seem to prosper?
How can God allow such injustice and pain?
The danger in these moments of doubt is that questioning God can rob us of joy. When we elevate our understanding above His divine wisdom, we lose sight of His goodness and sovereignty. But as God reminded Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (Job 38:4). God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans are always at work, even when they don’t align with our expectations.
God’s Divine Rhythm
In response to Habakkuk’s cries, God declares:
“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” (Habakkuk 1:5)
God’s work never stops, even when it’s hidden from our understanding. His steps follow a divine rhythm, not ours. This truth reminds me of a hike I took in the jungles of Gabon. Unlike using a GPS, which offers a clear route and estimated time, my journey relied solely on a guide who knew the jungle intimately. I didn’t know the path or the destination. I simply had to trust and follow him.
In the same way, God’s guidance requires trust. His path and timing are not ours to dictate, but His wisdom and care lead us through the jungles of life.
Living by Faith, Not Sight
God’s answer to Habakkuk culminates in a call to faith:
“The righteous shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)
The proud trust in their own understanding, but the righteous find joy and strength in trusting God. This is the turning point for Habakkuk. Despite the desolation around him—fig trees that don’t blossom, barren vines, and empty fields—he chooses to rejoice:
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.” (Habakkuk 3:18-19)
Joy in the Darkness of the Cross
The ultimate example of joy born from trust is found at the cross of Jesus Christ. For the disciples, the crucifixion seemed like the end of all hope. Their Messiah was dead, and darkness covered the land. Yet, in that moment of despair, God was working out the greatest victory of all time.
The death of Jesus wasn’t the end but the beginning of eternal joy. Through His resurrection, we have the promise of salvation, hope, peace, and everlasting joy. If God can bring triumph from the darkness of the cross, He can bring joy to the darkest moments of our lives as well.
Joy Thrives Where Trust Abides
Habakkuk’s journey reminds us that circumstances change, but God remains the same. Joy isn’t found in ease but in trusting the Eternal. When life feels overwhelming, we have a choice: will we let doubt and despair consume us, or will we trust in the God who never fails?
This Advent season, as we reflect on the joy of Christ’s coming, let us renew our faith. Look to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. Trust in His promises and rejoice in the God of your salvation. For in Him, joy is unshakable and everlasting.