Fruit of Faith

"Though the fig tree does not bud

and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

and no cattle in the stalls,"

[Hab 3:17]

Praise ~ the fruit of faith. Faith has taught me to praise in all seasons. Although at times it begins with the lips then it seeps into the heart.

Does not the thunder cloud in the rain? The erupting mountain in the quake? The howl in the gusting wind? Would their language be considered creation-praise? Recognizable by their Maker?

Is not the God of the Universe also the God of my circumstance?

Is my faith contingent upon my circumstance? NO - for I know Whom I have believed!

He provides for the fruit, the flock, and the harvest (vs 17). Do I praise only in their abundance?

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"YET I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will be joyful in God my Savior."

[Hab 3:18,emphasis added]

In the context of this verse, Habakkuk was trembling in fear facing impending judgment of the nation. He surrendered in humility to God's purpose and professed; "Yet I will rejoice."

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"The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to go on the heights."

[Hab 3:19]

All of creation declares God's sovereignty; His word confirms it. Am I to question it? Am I to deny it's confession? The Holy Spirit must sing out to the Creator and the Word. United, they compel and receive just praise.

Raising eyes to the heavens, the Throne Room of Grace, one realizes that He has proven the faithfulness of His Fatherhood to provide for all His children.

"Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they? "
[Mt 6:26]

Does His worthiness for worship ever feign? Is it dependent on the fruit of the trees? The answer has been spoken from antiquity and resounds through eternity.

"You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being."

[Rv 4:11]

This seventeenth century prayer of George Herbert I have borrowed to beseech God's increase of thankfulness in my heart. May it speak to you.

Thou hast given so much to me,

Give one thing more -- a grateful heart;

Not thankful when it pleaseth me,

As if Thy blessings had spare days,

But such a heart whose pulse may be

Thy praise.