God's Word

Friends,

I went to a Kek'chi speaking church last night. Nothing too surprising about that, after all, I live in a primarily Kek'chi speaking village. However, lately I have been spending quite a bit of time at Mopan Maya speaking churches because of some particular ministry opportunities, and because, quite frankly, it is easier for me. I understand Mopan, and I do not understand Kek'chi. I am also more comfortable with the worship style. Last night I was enjoying a rare and much needed quiet evening and really drug my feet about walking across my backyard to the church. But, I went.

I prayed and worshipped the Lord in my heart throughout the song service, and then the message began. The pastor announced his text as Habakkuk 3. Hmm... haven't heard someone preach from that book in a while. I turned in my Bible and read along as he read the chapter in Kek'chi. I am actually not too sure what he preached about. I do know he said a little of it in English for my  benefit, but I was struck by the verses at the end, and want to share them with you today.

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.
    GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
        he makes my feet like the deer's;
        he makes me tread on my high places.
    To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
(Habakkuk 3:17-19 ESV)

Basically, even if my world is crumbling around me, and it doesn't even look like I will have even my basic necessities, still I will rejoice in the Lord, in His goodness, in His love, in His strength, in the blessings He has poured freely, in the forgiveness, restoration, and fellowship I have because He so loved that He gave...

Oh, my friends, I want that to be true of me. That I rejoice in my precious Lord, regardless of present circumstances. I have been holding out on a few things in my rejoicing. Oh, I have been thankful for His blessings, but my joy would be complete, I could truly rejoice if He would answer these certain prayer requests (especially concerning the land, etc.). But, He has already given me all I need for my present. He has given me all I need for eternity. I have much to rejoice in. His great, unfailing love. The mercy He pours on my undeserving soul. The fellowship I have with the God of the universe because of the blood of His Son. Therefore, I will choose to rejoice in my God, to praise His name, even if the fig tree does not blossom, the land situation does not work out the way I want, the other projects don't come together the way I envision them... I will rejoice in my God even if...

I am thankful for the living Word of God. That even though I went to church somewhat grudgingly last night, I couldn't understand most of the service, His presence was there and He spoke to me through His mighty Word. I rejoice.