Even Though
by Katie Harding on September 4, 2023
Although I have posted this blog before, the Lord kept bringing it to mind last week, so I am sharing it again.
The last chapter of Habakkuk always seems comforting to me, especially in light of some of the challenges we face today. Although Habakkuk was considered a minor prophet, his final thoughts continue to make a major impact.
Habakkuk was speaking in the context of his day when he said, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty,..”
When I recite these phrases, I also contextualize, and often encourage others to do the same, by filling in the blanks with what’s going on our lives right now. ”Even though _______; even though _______; even though _______.” Just naming struggles can be the first step in overcoming them.
Then Habakkuk completes his thought with, “…yet, I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign LORD is my strength!” Yet is one of my favorite words in this passage. Habakkuk uses this small word to make a big change to his perspective.
When yet precedes my response, it tells me I have some control, even when circumstances may seem out of control. It indicates I have a choice. Yet tells me regardless of what’s happening, I can choose how to direct my thoughts.
Choosing to redirect our thoughts by looking at God and remembering who He is in the moment can help us respond differently to our current circumstances, whatever they may be.
“Even though _______; even though _______; even though _______; YET...”
I will rejoice in the LORD. No wickedness in the world will ever change the goodness of God. I can rejoice in God’s goodness, even though….
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. God is the One who saves us from death, gives us life, and restores us to a right relationship with Himself. I can find great joy in the God of my salvation, even though...
The Sovereign LORD is my strength. God is over all, and we can let go of our fears as we trust and walk in faith with Him. I can be strong because God is sovereign, even though…
In the end, Habakkuk concludes with, “He will make me as sure-footed as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.” Notice Habakkuk doesn’t say there won’t be mountains or that God is removing the mountains, but He will bring me safely over them. And in that, I can find peace. Even though..