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, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. – Habakkuk 3:17-18

 

Joy is the biggest prize Satan could ever steal from a Christian. Someone once said, “If he can steal your joy, he can spoil your goods.” The prophet Habakkuk knew how important it was to keep his joy, and he was determined to hold on to it tightly, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Joy is the one precious commodity Satan cannot take from you unless you give it to him. When you have your joy, you will say with Habakkuk, “The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as sure-footed as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains” (Habakkuk 3:19). The little deer’s feet are so nimble that even when he is knocked from a towering precipice, he still lands on his feet. With joy in your heart, you will always land on your feet, no matter the trial.

Perhaps you can rejoice when everything is going perfectly, but what about when the bank balance is zero and all your efforts seem to be unfruitful? Purpose today to “always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

Rejoice!