Trusting God When Life Is Barren
Scripture Reading — Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not bud … and the fields produce no food … I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Sometimes life is a wilderness. You could lose your job. You could develop cancer. Your marriage could fall apart. In dry and barren seasons, our trust in God can face heavy attacks.
Why does God allow such things to happen to us? Why do good people suffer while sinful people seemingly go through life without a scratch?
Habakkuk lived in a moral and spiritual wilderness. Israel had fallen away from God. Injustice ruled society, and corruption eroded the government. Soon God would punish Israel for their sin by allowing the Babylonians to conquer them. Their land would go to waste. The fig tree would no longer bloom, fields would lie fallow, and grapes would rot on the vine.
Israel’s suffering was a consequence of their disobedience.
Likewise, all of the pains and heartaches in our world are effects of sin. Yet Habakkuk learned that he could always trust in God because God is faithful even when his people are not.
Maybe you have failed in some part of your life. Maybe you’re struggling to try to hold things together. Take comfort! Even when life is a wilderness, God never fails his people. On the cross, Jesus conquered the root cause of the world’s trouble—sin. Today he promises that he will never leave or forsake you. Trust in him, and he will strengthen you.
Sovereign God, when we walk through the wilderness of life, help us to find joy in your salvation. Remind us that we belong to you, and strengthen our faith. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2006. When not busy with pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
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