Higher Ground

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 the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)

The prophet paints a very gloomy picture—sounds like he has been listening to my TV. The market is lower than it has been in years. A pivotal election is right around the corner. Some are still cleaning out and restoring their homes after a hit by a hurricane. It seems like nothing is easy. Why is life so difficult right now? The pummeling of bad news begins to wear and I wonder what is going to happen next. As much as I like to listen to talk radio and TV, today I want it off. However, God did not leave us in this pothole. Did you notice the second half of the passage? Even when the world collapses around me, God is there and gives me joy. He is the one that supports me and allows me to stand—even on shaky and unstable ground. He even equips me so that I can race surefooted between the boulders and rocks on the path as I head to the top of the mountain. I have a better perspective from higher ground where I can focus on the whole landscape rather than just my own small patch. Sometimes, God allows us to see what His plans are, other times, He asks us to trust Him. Today, the insecurity of our world demands that we turn to the One who made us and who knows our days from the beginning to the end for our security and comfort. He is bigger than all that threatens us. Go for the higher ground and take heart.