True Thanksgiving

Habakkuk 3:17-19, NIV
“17 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 pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.”


Thanksgiving is what proves Christians to be mature. True thanksgiving to the Lord is offered in times of trouble and despair. Prophet Habakkuk gave thanks and praise to God when Judah was facing great despair.


1. In times of despair (Hab 3:17).

When things are not going well and we are in serious despair, what should we do? In spite of the warning of prophets, the Jews worshipped idols, turning away from God. He judged them, and everything became very desolate for them. The fig tree did not bud, the fields produced no food, there were no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls. There was no hope anywhere, and the despair in their hearts became more and more serious (Hab 3:16). At times, we are in such despair. Because of the despair in our circumstances and the hatred and hurt that come from human relationships, heinous crimes are increasing, and the world is becoming more wicked every day.


2. Be joyful in the Lord (Hab 3:18).

Habakkuk confessed that we should be joyful in the Lord and rejoice, remembering the God of salvation in this time of despair. Writing to churches in Philippi from prison, apostle Paul told them twice to rejoice (Php 4:4). Joy in the heart becomes strength to overcome despair (Pr 17:22). However, we are not able to rejoice by ourselves in times of despair. We can rejoice in the Lord only when He strengthens us (Php 4:13). Prophet Habakkuk tells us to be joyful in God and praise Him for salvation. God accepts us as His children and protects us until we get to the kingdom of heaven. May you rejoice in God who saves you from despair and leads you.


3. God becomes our strength (Hab 3:19).

God is the fountain of our strength and power (Ps 18:1). The Lord is the source of blessing. We can enjoy blessing, only when God blesses us (Ge 12:2-3). When Abraham advanced by faith in the Word of God, he was blessed and became the ancestor of faith (Ge 12:2-3). God makes our feet like the feet of a deer, and He enables us to walk over the mountain of despair and go over the heights (Hab 3:19). Conquer the mountain of despair with the power of the Holy Spirit. Do not be discouraged. Do not listen to the world but to the Lord.

Rejoice in the Lord, and give thanks even in despair. When we commit our problems to the Lord, they will be resolved. Victory will be ours.