Today’s Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 1:1 through Habakkuk 3:19; Zephaniah 1:1 through Zephaniah 2:7
Even though
- The fig trees have no blossoms
- There are no grapes on the vine
Even though
- The olive crop fails
- The fields lie empty and barren
Even though
- The flocks die in the fields
- The cattle barns are empty
Yet, I will
- Rejoice in the Lord
- Be joyful in the God of my salvation
The Sovereign Lord
- Is my strength
- He makes me as surefooted as a deer
- Able to tread upon the heights
In December 1993, I was coming to the end of a year of Bible reading; it wasn’t the Chronological format so Habakkuk came in December instead of August. That day is still very vivid in my mind. I can remember where I was, what chair I was sitting in, even what time of day it was.
As I read Habakkuk 3:17-19, I didn’t really think much about it. Little did I know that I was moving into a season of death, destruction, and loss and that God would use that scripture to assure me of His sovereignty and my ability to survive.
Months later as the devastation began; the Holy Spirit brought this scripture and that time of Bible study to my remembrance. In a five-year period my best friend and mentor tragically died, I went through a divorce after 22 years of marriage, my Dad died, my children rebelled, my Mom emotionally collapsed from the load of long-term care-giving, my business failed, I lost my home, and lost my car.
Yes, everything fell apart and so did I, but I had a promise that kept me going, “The Lord God is my strength; he will make my feet like deer’s feet. And He will make me walk on my high hills.”
The hind is a female, mountain-climbing deer known for its strong, steady feet. Habakkuk believed that God would make his feet strong and steady. He would keep him on his feet in the midst of the difficulties around him.
I found a book during this season of my life that made this scripture come alive for me: Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. It’s an allegory dramatizing the journey each of us must take before we can live in “high places.”
Many years have passed and the pain and heartache of that time are hard to recall, but the faithfulness, supernatural strength, and provision of my God that sustained me during that time are as fresh on my mind as if it were yesterday. God has my restored joy and excitement for life ten times over. I have been truly blessed. Yes, over the years I’ve had to walk on other high places (i.e. hard times) but each time my trust in Him has reached new heights.
Is everything falling apart in your life today? Most likely your Heavenly Father wants to make you stronger through it rather than rescue you from it—look to Him to supernaturally keep you on your feet so that you can make it to the heights He has planned for you.
Even though _____________________________(fill in the blank with your trials)…
The Sovereign Lord
- Is my strength
- He makes me as surefooted as a deer
- Able to tread upon the heights
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. Psalm 18:33
Heavenly Father, when everything falls apart your arms hold me together!
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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Zephaniah 2:8 – 3:20; 2 Chronicles 35:20-27; 2 Kings 23:29-30; Jeremiah 47:1-48:47
This was such a lovely post and so timely for me today.
I am going to use a line or two for my Facebook status right now to encourage others!
Be blessed,
Melissa
{{Find me on Twitter: TubsWife}}