Yet I will rejoice

Week beginning: 29th March, 2020 | By Michael Hawthorne | Canterbury

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the sheepfold and no cattle in the stalls,
yet will I rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.

Habakkuk 3: 17-18 (NIV)

At around the end of the sixth century BC the prophet Habakkuk understood from God that tough times were ahead. He saw that things would get worse before they improved. At the end of his oracle he ponders the situation where all seems to be gloomy and uncertain and ends by declaring his steadfast confidence in God and his determination to rejoice despite all that occurs.

As we face the growing impact of the coronavirus upon our world, we too need to express our confidence in our God. Many around us are fearful of what may lie ahead.

Our clients and colleagues are facing the shaking of the foundations of all they have known. Even if we have to work remotely, pray that our trust in God will shine through.

Let us follow Habakkuk's example and rejoice and be joyful, mindful of all the blessings that we enjoy. May we encourage others by our example as we bear witness day by day to the inner peace which only Christ can give.

Prayer Points:

1. For our confidence and joy in the Lord to be apparent in our lives.
2. For opportunities to encourage and spur on others.
3. For the Holy Spirit to guide what we say in our phone calls and emails, and in phone and video conferences.