Exclamation Points
Text: Habakkuk 3:16b-19
Theme: Habakkuk had seen the Lord’s work and trusted completely in Him.
Key verses: “I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. 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 heights as a deer, able to tread upon the heights” (v. 16b-19).
What I believe God said to me: Just believe. Just sit and soak and trust in me. Be in awe of my greatness. Be in awe of my mercy. Love me with your whole heart. Know with complete confidence that nothing can separate you from my love, and decide once and for all that nothing can me from your obedience and trust. Have no other gods before you. Go only where I lead you. Be content with I provide you, and know I am forever with you. Wait quietly, but rejoice loudly! Rejoice and shout my praise with exclamation points. Never hold back your love, adoration and praise from me. Notice how that in despite of his circumstances Habakkuk shouted his praise no less than three three times: “I will rejoice! I will be joyful! The Sovereign Lord is my strength!” And don’t miss how he reminded himself and his readers of why he could praise with such confidence. I was the God of his salvation. I am the LORD, Adonai, Master. Habakkuk’s closing words were not words of defeat; they were a statement of faith. He said that I was making him “surefooted as a deer” and “able to tread upon the heights.” Does that describe your thinking, Dwayne? Are you able to mouth such exclamated praise to me and confidence in my faithfulness? Do you trust in my salvation and Lordship? Do you feel surefooted and able to climb to heights you never dreamed possible? You should feel that way. Those feelings are based on truth. You can praise me with loud conviction. It all starts with waiting quietly in my presence.
What I said to God: Thank You, Adonai. I do trust in You today. Please help me trust You more. I choose to praise You, regardless the circumstances. I choose to shout Your praise, no matter how I may be feeling. You never change. You are always faithful and true. Thank You for making me surefooted and able to climb to new heights. I can do nothing without You, but with Christ who strengthens me, I can do all things.