December 18th, 2020
Family Tree Devotional Series - Week 3 – Joy - Friday – Anna Williams
Surefooted Joy
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)
"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! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights."
I have always been absolutely amazed at the deer and wild goats that live in some of the world's highest, most remote mountain ranges. The deer and goats surrounded by crumbling, craggy cliffs and insane drop-offs run around like it is nothing. They are so surefooted that they often use the terrain to their advantage to escape predators.
The image that this verse brings to mind is so powerful, and I feel that it is an excellent descriptor for Joy. When we choose to look beyond our circumstances or surroundings and focus on the Lord, we can still experience Joy despite it all. Our focus is grounded in the trust that God is in control of all things. That God will work ALL of those things together for our good because we love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Some days can seem dark and scary. We suffer loss or wonder if we will have enough to make ends meet. It feels like we are walking a tiny ledge between a 50 ft rock face and a 3,000 ft drop. But if we love God and put our trust in Him, we can not only make it through but with a genuine joy that amazes unbelievers.
Would you pray with me:
Lord, I love you with all of my heart. I trust that all circumstances are under your control, and I rest in the knowledge of that. Please help me to have a genuine joy that overflows in my home and my Oikos. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Surefooted Joy
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)
"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! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights."
I have always been absolutely amazed at the deer and wild goats that live in some of the world's highest, most remote mountain ranges. The deer and goats surrounded by crumbling, craggy cliffs and insane drop-offs run around like it is nothing. They are so surefooted that they often use the terrain to their advantage to escape predators.
The image that this verse brings to mind is so powerful, and I feel that it is an excellent descriptor for Joy. When we choose to look beyond our circumstances or surroundings and focus on the Lord, we can still experience Joy despite it all. Our focus is grounded in the trust that God is in control of all things. That God will work ALL of those things together for our good because we love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Some days can seem dark and scary. We suffer loss or wonder if we will have enough to make ends meet. It feels like we are walking a tiny ledge between a 50 ft rock face and a 3,000 ft drop. But if we love God and put our trust in Him, we can not only make it through but with a genuine joy that amazes unbelievers.
Would you pray with me:
Lord, I love you with all of my heart. I trust that all circumstances are under your control, and I rest in the knowledge of that. Please help me to have a genuine joy that overflows in my home and my Oikos. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
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