Sometimes life seems to fall in on us.  One thing after another happens to us.  We think we can't take anymore.  That's when it is helpful to look at the faith of Habukkuk, who in the face of possible disaster sang this beautiful song.

     The first stanza (v. 17) could be called "WHAT IF?"  Habakkuk is thinking of a string of calamities that could happen in his agricultural society.  One of them would be bad enough, but he puts one on top of the other.  No figs, no grapes, no olives, no sheep, no cattle.  It couldn't be any worse.

     It's as if one of us should lose his job, but say, "I still have my health.  I'll get another job."  Then he loses his health, but says, "I still have my friends."  But his friends move away, so he says, "I still have my wife."  When his wife dies, he says, "I still have my house."  Then his house burns to the ground!  What if?  What would we do if calamity followed calamity?

     The second stanza (v. 18) could be called "I WILL REJOICE!"  That sounds a little odd doesn't it.  Many of us would collapse in such circumstances.  Others might grit their teeth and endure the circumstances.  But Habakkuk said, "Yet I will rejoice."  How could he rejoice under such circumstances?  Because he would not focus on the circumstances.  He would focus on the Lord.  "I will rejoice in the Lord," he said.  Circumstances change, but Jesus never does.  So our grounds for rejoicing remain.

     The third stanza (v. 19) could be called "GOD IS MY STRENGTH!"  Because his source of joy was the Lord Himself, he was confident that he could face any "What if?" that came his way.  There would be strength for whatever blows fell.  Not his strength, but God's strength.  And there would be stability as he navigated the dangerous path ahead.  God would make his feet as the feet of the hind, which was sure-footed because the rear feet always landed exactly where the front feet had already been.  He would not stumble and fall, but would walk on the high places.

     Where is our focus?  Who is our strength?  How will we do if...?  Only those who focus on the unchanging God can find reason to rejoice in an ever changing world.  And only those who focus on God as their strength can walk with safety through the difficult days of life.

     When He is our source, our song soars upward into praise!