JOY IN THE LORD
- UnstoppableRevKev
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
📖Scripture: “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines… yet I will exult in the LORD; I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18
🔎Reflection: True worship is not tied to circumstances. Amid famine and loss, Habakkuk’s declaration became divine revelation and praise! It anticipated Peter’s call to the exiles of the Dispersion: 1) Recognize God’s inherent praiseworthiness simply because of who He is, and 2) rejoice (lean into God’s grace, not celebrate) in suffering (1 Pet 4:12-13).
When praise is contingent on blessings, it becomes manipulation rather than worship. Many modern expressions of “worship” mirror this abomination of manipulation — thanksgiving tied to prosperity, praise tied to outcomes, self-centered songs about our feelings, wants, and idols.
Scripture reveals that God’s inherent praiseworthiness transcends temporal and transient circumstances (Job 1:20–21; Ps 42:5; Phil 4:11–13).
Habakkuk ends this passage with confidence: “God, the Lord, is my strength” (Hab 3:19). Even joy rooted in salvation can become perverted if we focus on the benefit rather than the BENEFACTOR. The joy of our salvation was accomplished by Christ Jesus, is sealed and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, and cannot be stolen by empty cupboards, barren fields, or failing health because of the Father’s covenant-loyalty. To joy in God is to confess that He is our first love and ultimate treasure (Ps 73:25–26; Matt 13:44) and find contentment in each and every circumstance (Phil 4:11-13).
🤺Action: Today’s test (2 Cor 13:5): Do I joy in the Lord even in the Valley of the Shadow of Death? Even amid suffering, trials, and when life disappoints? Do I intentionally choose to sing, pray, proclaim, and praise God even in the storms, or only if He performs up to my expectations for blessings, health, wealth, comfort, safety, and security? Is my song public and vocal praise simply because of who God is… or is it instead manipulation to extract desired outcomes out of my narcissistic entitlement, exposing self-worship?
🙏Prayer: Dear God of my salvation, I will exult You even when my fields are empty and my plans fail, because my circumstances don’t change Your praiseworthiness. Forgive me for times of conditional praise tied to blessings. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Please strengthen me to joy in You alone, for You are my strength, my song, and my salvation! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Click the link for a short video version of today's devotional:
Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
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