Joy, In Spite of...
January 8, 2026
Joy, in spite of…
Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen,
Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty,
I’m singing joyful praise to God. I
’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God’s rule to prevail,
I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer.
I feel like I’m king of the mountains.
~Habakkuk 3:17-19, Message
Taking a cue from Habakkuk, I want to live a joy-filled life in the coming year. That means celebrating every gift as from God. It means that when faced with troubles, I trust that His rule will prevail.
Eugene Peterson wrote, “Joy is derivative. It does not originate from the world or us. It originates from God” (Message Devotional Bible, p. 1046).
With that in mind, I adapted Habakkuk’s words to be my own:
Even if markets crash, my insurance premiums soar, the economy tanks, or my savings disappear, I will praise my Savior God. I will trust Him as my provider, not my portfolio.
Even though the nations’ leaders fail me with injustice, or I learn of corruption, I will depend on God alone, the Three in One, who is always at work (John 5:17,) rather than trust in broken systems around me.
Even if my body fails and doctors cannot help, or I face weakness and pain, I will rejoice in God, who will give me strength and purpose beyond my physical limitations.
And though my plans fall short and my efforts yield naught, or when the dry seasons and doubts strike, as I know they will, I will keep my eyes focused on God and who He is to me – my Lord and Savior, the One who adores me, not for my works or accomplishments but for who I am – His beloved child.
Counting on God’s sovereign rule to prevail, I will take heart and gain strength, knowing our Almighty God is still in the business of saving, shaping and making all things right.
Leaning and believing in these words will not always be an easy task, but oh so necessary if I want to experience joy and strength in each day. Some days I will certainly fail. However, putting hope only in God Himself will I, or any of us, be enabled to tread on heights like a deer and soar above the clouds like an eagle regardless of circumstances.
Reflect: Sit with Habakkuk’s words for a moment. On whom or what will you depend in the coming year? Who or what will you count on to shape and make all things right?
Pray: O Lord, who offers me internal and eternal joy, I will never be able to round up enough containers to hold everything that You so generously pour into my life by the power and provision of Your Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). On You alone can I depend to become who You created me to be. All praises and glory to You alone. In the name Jesus, I pray, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria Ashby
Lay Leader