Joyfulness is “the state of being extremely happy.” In our natural human condition, joyfulness is automatically triggered by the presence of what we deem to be positive circumstances acting externally upon our lives. As joyfulness is good, God desires that we live permanently in this state! Yes, this is possible… for every believer! Joyfulness is the state of the heart and mind when life is viewed and lived through right thinking. Long ago, God used a unique character, the Prophet Habakkuk, to shows us “how” joyfulness is possible now and always in our sin-affected world, no matter what!

Unlike other prophets who declared God’s message to people this prophet dialogued with God about people. At that time, Habakkuk wasn’t at peace within himself: The local, national and international landscape was ugly, chaotic and way-out of control – evil had the upper hand and righteousness was in serious decline. Recorded in this little Book of Habakkuk is an intriguing conversation between a perplexed prophet and his Maker. Where is God in all of this? Is He aware of what is taking place? Does He care? Is He able to do anything about the situation? Will He act? When will He act? Such were the penetrating questions Habakkuk sought answers from his God in his day. And such are the questions being asked by distressed believers today.
 
The time is seventh century B.C… Babylon has just experienced victory at the battle of Carchemish (605). While the stage is set for a global holocaust, an unsuspecting Israelite audience fiddles a happy tune. The nation’s moral fibre is being ravished by a “flesh” appetite. Homes are crumbling all around and crime is soaring. Divorce and debauchery prevail and decency has declined. Frivolity dances in the streets. Faith is dead. In such a world of crisis and chaos, Habakkuk speaks to God with a despondent spirit. 
 
We know very little of Habakkuk the prophet. The book simply records his name and his profession. He was well educated and deeply sensitive. Above all, he was God’s chosen servant who penned a timely message of encouragement and hope for God’s people at that time… and for us today.
 
Though doubts and confusion reign when sin and lawlessness appear to be running rampant around us, a faith encounter with God can turn those doubts into devotion and all confusion into confidence. Habakkuk’s book begins with an interrogation of God but ends as an intercession to God. Habakkuk’s worry was transformed into worship. His fears turned into faith. Terror became trust. Hang-ups were resolved with hope. Anguish melted into adoration. What began with a despondent question mark ended with an enthusiastic exclamation point. The answer to Habakkuk’s “why?” is “who!” His confusion, “Why all the conflict”, was resolved with his comprehension of “Who is in control” of the Universe… God!

Friends, honestly… are you facing your circumstances with absolute confidence that God is in control? Is this your steadfast belief? If so, your life is a powerful testimony to those around you that life on earth can be lived rejoicing at all times.

Just like the “renewed in thinking” Habakkuk, whenever fair-weather sailing turns to foul-weather you too can declare with boldness, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!” (Hab. 3:17,18 NLT). Live rejoicing at all times, no matter what, is what God desires for you and me (1 Thess. 5:16-17).
                                                                            
Best wishes
Bill