THE GREATEST BLESSINGS TO MAN (2)
First, a knowledge of God instills within us a trusting confidence in His power. Second, the trusting knowledge that God’s power is almighty brings peace. Christians may not find peace in life, because circumstances may not be peaceful; but we will have an inner peace even in tumultuous circumstances because of the knowledge that God’s power will not fail. It is this inner peace that Jesus promised. Third, a trusting focus on God will come as we look at life’s circumstances. Often those who are beset with adversities in life focus on the problems and never on the possibilities. They fail to consider God’s power. Habakkuk’s words tell us that he was “rejoicing.” The term refers to an excited joy. Why had he changed from the dejection of chapter 1? His dejection had changed to joy because his focus had changed! No longer did he look at the impossible circumstances around him; now he looked at the Almighty God whose power is greater than any circumstance!
Fourth, an abiding joy will result. Habakkuk could now rejoice, even though life’s circumstances would worsen (3:17, 18). Paul could rejoice “always” because he trusted God’s power rather than life’s circumstances to provide his peace (Philippians 4:4–6). Christians may not be able to rejoice in the bitter circumstances that come in life, but we can rejoice in the fact that God is the Sovereign Ruler and nothing can hinder His will! Let us rejoice in who God is, what He has done, and what He continues to do for us. Let those who are struggling with adverse circumstances in life recall God’s promise: “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My loving-kindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken” (Isaiah 54:10; cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalms 13:6; 17:14, 15; 31:19).
The Habakkuk of chapter 3 was a different man from the one we met in chapter 1. He had come to believe that he could face whatever might come. “In spite of everything he could rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of his salvation. Such a God, he knew, would not forget him, and such a God would certainly bring him through.” The only genuine rest people can find is located within the hearts of those who possess faith in God.
Word Affirmation: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." - John 14:27 (Don't just say it, mean it!)
“ The only genuine rest people can find is located within the hearts of those who possess faith in God. "
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