“Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” – Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)
There will be periods in our lives of great abundance, and of overwhelming drought. It’s important to remember that both those times are of God’s design, and while we may not see the underlying reason for our trials, He’s deserving of our praises throughout it all.
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Amen! Rejoice in the Lord always! 🙂
Hard to do but even when I force myself to sing praises when I don’t feel them, He always comforts me and gives me rest. Praising the Lord today!
I love this. I just wrote that in my journal a few weeks ago. I love it. Something to model after, but it’s not always easy. I love how that verse speaks the message that when everything “hits the fan,” so to speak, we are never to stop longing for, reaching for, trusting in, our Savior.
God is amazing. I know I have read that scripture many, many times (as well as heard Don Francisco sing it in one of his ballads) the meaning suddenly was very clear. I found it comforting, especially in light of the recent set back my friend has had with cancer. Thanks, Phil! And thank You, Lord!
Amen! What a wonderful Word! I’ve learned praise during the rough and good times. When I am feeling sorry for myself, I ask Him to send His Holy Spirit to strengthen and carry me. He has never failed me. Thank you, for your prophetic words.
This is exactly how I feel too.