Habakkuk 3:17-19
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, And there are no grapes on the vines;
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 3:17-19)
I love celebrations! Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays—any chance to gather with friends and family and enjoy God’s blessings. For me, these moments have always been about remembering His goodness. But honestly, I struggle to celebrate when uncertainty hangs over my head. Last year, my health was in question for months. I celebrated three of my children’s birthdays, two of my grandchildren’s birthdays, Easter, and our 35th wedding anniversary, all without knowing what the future held. Even heading into Christmas, uncertainty lingered. To be honest, I felt a little angry at God.
Yet I’m reminded of Abraham. Melchizedek, the king of righteousness and peace, brought him a celebratory meal after God promised him a son. Sarah had been barren, and now both were well past childbearing years. God told Abraham to count the stars—his descendants would be more numerous. Through this son, all nations would be blessed. They celebrated not what had already happened, but what God promised would come. They celebrated in faith.
God is teaching me that enjoying celebrations amid uncertainty is an act of faith. It’s hard for me, and He knows it. I suspect it’s hard for most of us if we’re honest. But He wants this for us because He already holds our future. We can rejoice in Him even when we don’t see the full outcome. Unlike Abraham, we may not receive a specific promise. Like the prophet Habakkuk, we may not know how things will turn out. Yet Habakkuk ended his lament in chapter 3 by affirming his trust in the Lord no matter what. Things looked bleak—no figs, no grapes, empty fields and barns. Still, he rejoiced because he knew his God.
I’m learning to do the same. In seasons of uncertainty, I can choose joy and celebration as an offering of faith, trusting that God is good and my future is secure in Him.
Judy Linscheid
Writing Team