Habakkuk 3:17 - For though the fig tree doesn't flourish, Nor fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive fails, The fields yield no food; The flocks are cut off from the fold, And there is no herd in the stalls:
Habakkuk 3:18 - Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
-- World English, with the Holy Name presented as "Jehovah".
WE see that God permits evil in the world so that the world may learn certain lessons of bitter experience as to the natural rewards of evil doing, but we see also a ministry of evil in respect to the saints -- in their testing and polishing and refining; making them ready, and proving them worthy, as overcomers, to inherit the wonderful things which God has in reservation for the faithful. -- Adapted from excerpt from "Able to Comprehned With All The Saints" ZWT, March 15, 1903; R3168:2.
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The fig tree in our text may figuratively be referring to promises given, such promises as those in Genesis 3:15 and Genesis 18:18; 22:18; 26:24, etc. Many do not look for all nations to be blessed, or they have come to believe that only a few people of the nations who accept Christ in this age are blessed. The reality is that the nations still have not been blessed as promised. To many, it seems hopeless to look for such a blessing, but to those who belong to Christ and are enlightened concerning God's plan, the promise brings rejoicing and a joyful heart, since they understand why there is a delay and that the blessing of all people is yet to come.
We should not, however, overlook the more practical application of the verses of our text. If you are a farmer, you may know how disheartening it can be to see your crops destroyed or non-productive. The experience could leave one devastated, but for one who has Jehovah as his God, that person will not give up but continue rejoicing in Jehovah.
Likewise, with all who belong to Christ. Life's experiences can be challenging, and many times our faith is tried by "adverse" ordeals. Our plans in this world may not materialize, and bring us disappointment. It may seem that all our efforts to help others understand what we know of God and Jesus are fruitless. We should constantly go to the Heavenly Father in prayer, and look to his holy spirit to help us and sustain us. We should continue, however, to have faith in our Heavenly Father, knowing that we can firmly trust Him, come what may!
Ronald R. Day, Sr. (ResLigh0
"YET WILL I REJOICE IN JEHOVAH"
THOUGH the fig tree shall not blossom,
Though no fruit be in the vines,
Though the fields shall yield no fruitage,
Of the herd there be no signs—
Yet I'll joy in God's salvation,
As my faith in Him reclines.
While the nations reel and stagger,
And the Dove of Peace has fled,
While the land and sea are groaning
'Neath the burden of their dead—
Yet, amid the awful tumult,
I rejoice and lift my head!
Though the vision seem to tarry,
And the waiting time prolong,
Though my faith be sorely tested
In the conflict fierce and strong,
Yet His grace will be sufficient,
And the burden of my song!
Though He slay me, I will trust Him,
Though my very heart He break,
For I know with loving wisdom
He has planned the way I take—
Thus my dying breath shall bless Him,
And I'll praise Him when I wake!
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