Even though ... the olive tree produces disappointment, ... but I will rejoice in the Lord (Habakkuk 3:17,18)
In the book 450 Stories for Life, Gust Anderson recounts his visit to a church in an agricultural area, east of Alberta, Canada. The area has been in drought for eight years. The economic condition of the farmers there seems hopeless. Despite their poverty, many of them continue to gather together to praise and worship God.
Anderson was deeply impressed by the testimony of a farmer who stood up and quoted Habakkuk 3:17,18. The farmer said earnestly, "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 the sheep are driven from the pen and there are no cattle in the pens, I will rejoice in the Lord, rejoice in the God who saves me. Anderson thought the saint had discovered the secret to true joy.
Getting pleasure from things that can be bought is not a mistake. However, let us not rely on these items to get happiness. If our satisfaction is determined by the possession of things, we will be devastated at the loss of them. But if our joy is in God, nothing can destroy it, not even economic difficulties.
Yes, those who know and believe in God will rejoice even in poverty! - RWD
JOY DEPENDS ON WHAT HAPPENS
BUT JOY DEPENDS ON JESUS
BUT JOY DEPENDS ON JESUS
*) Take from Daily Reflections