Saturday – Open Topic – Joy in the midst of sadness.

“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, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV

S.A.D. Seasonal affective disorder.

I’m not sure it should be called a disorder since it is so common. Shorter days, less time outdoors, and colder weather combine to bring down the moods of millions, including me.

It’s this time of year that I am especially thankful for passages like this.

Habakkuk was speaking to Judah just before the exile. The remains of the nation was about to be exiled to Babylon. Dark times of death, disorientation, and loneliness lay just ahead. In the midst of this, Habakkuk makes this bold statement.

Happiness may depend on happenings but joy depends on God, who is always faithful.

You don’t have to be happy to be full of joy.

Joy carries you through the dark times offering hope and encouragement from a source far greater than the worst circumstances.

I may be affected by the seasons, but I will get through with a joy that no one and no thing could take away!

Do you know that unsurpassable joy of the Lord?

How has God’s joy carried you through hard times?

Can you trust God to bring that joy during your current circumstances?