Pastor’s Corner: “The Power of Yet”
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (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!
There came a time in my life where I decided that I would praise the Lord in the good and in the bad. While this may sound simple in principle, it is much more difficult in execution. No matter the circumstances or my feelings, I would give God the glory with my words. I decided to stop following my heart and to lead my heart by praising the Lord no matter what. As I read in Habakkuk today, I came across this beautiful reminder that he made the same choice long ago.
Wow. His list is tough. Really tough. Way more serious than yours or my worst days. And still, in the midst of a situation that could be a matter of life and death, as his list came to an end, he said, “yet, I will rejoice in the Lord!” Yet. Such power in three little letters. It means “but at the same time,” “nevertheless,” “in spite of that,” or “come what may.”
There are people struggling around us every day. Every day. And if they know that we know Jesus, we have to live out “sharing the reason for the hope that we have.” We have to truly find our joy in Him and model that “yet” in our own lives – for them. We have to show them that because of Jesus, the hard things are not the end. And we can find joy in the middle of the yucky days. So, here are three ways to focus on creating our own “yet” when those tough times come.
Put things in perspective. I am a firm believer in fill-in-the-blanks from the Word, and this is a perfect example:
Even though___________________ and _______________________; even though ________________________ and ___________________; even though ___________________________ and _________________________; YET I will rejoice in the Lord!
It’s funny how when things are written out, they take on new meaning and create new perspective. Somehow when we see things in text, it isn’t near as bad as the lies Satan is whispering in our ears. Those whispers that make our thoughts get out of control and dwelling on wild scenarios and what-ifs that, most likely, would never happen. So, the next time your day is falling apart, try this and then show those around you how to try it too.
Remember that the Lord is already there. I think we forget that God goes before us… and comes behind us… every moment of every day. When we recognize and make a point to acknowledge that everything begins and ends with Him, it’s so much easier to find the joy and peace we long for. Here are two verses I love that remind me that I can praise Him, trust Him, and find joy, “even though” there are hard things because I know He’s already there. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT) – “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Psalm 139:5 (NIV) – “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Set your eyes on what matters most. Colossians 3:2 (NIV) – “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” We need a daily reminder that all of our “even though’s” and “and’s” are just temporary. They won’t last. Keep your focus on Jesus and the things that are eternal. And talk about those things, the things of most value with those around you. Remind them that we can rejoice after bad days at work, health issues, and loss, not because those things aren’t hard. Not because those things don’t hurt. Rather because our joy doesn’t come from this world.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton