The Things That Never Change

How would your life change if the economy crashed?

If another pandemic broke out?

If grocery stores emptied?

If you lost it all?

Habakkuk has something to say about this. If you're wondering who Habakkuk is, he's a prophet in the Old Testament who has a Bible book named after him. He's right there between those other well-worn books in your Bible, Nahum and Zephaniah.

As God's man considered the downturn of his nation and the plausibility of their enemies destroying all they'd come to know, Habakkuk focused not on what would change, but what wouldn't change. I'll share the quote momentarily, but first consider how unnatural that impulse is.

When considering forthcoming bleak circumstances, our minds often rush to all the negative things that we won't like--our discomforts and displeasures. We may have to cut spending, cancel plans we were looking forward to, or suffer through a total tailspin of uncertainty. We are so prone to focus on ourselves and things we don't like.

Yet, as Christians, we "shall not grieve as do the rest who have no hope," (1 Thessalonians 4:13). As those who have come to know the God who transcends time--who is the same yesterday, today, and forever--we have the opportunity to remain unmoved through the ups and downs of life so long as we remain close to our Rock. The Lord shall not be moved, nor shall they be who cling to Him.

I'll close with Habakkuk's thoughts, from 3:17-19 (emphasis added).

Though the fig tree should not blossom

And there be no fruit on the vines,

Though the yield of the olive should fail

And the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

And there be no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will exult in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength,

And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,

And makes me walk on my high places.