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 –
Have you ever been discouraged by the lack of something in your life? I have. There have been several areas of my life in which I have gotten discouraged from. These areas of my life are areas of your life too.
And I’m sure you too can relate to the discouragement that can come when we don’t see any change in these areas. I’m referring to the financial, relational, and societal status of our lives.
We may lack everything this world offers as “good” such as fame and riches. Or we may lack basic essential needs like food, water, and shelter. But the one thing we can be sure of never lacking is the love of God and His salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 reminds us that even if we don’t see any change happening in our finances, relationships, or our life, God is still good. Even if we don’t get what we’re hoping for, God is still the giver of joy.
No matter what our finances look like, whether we have less than or more than enough. God’s love is always enough to carry us through.
Where does your joy come from? Does it come from the things you possess or the status you hold? Or does your joy come from knowing God? I’ll be honest with you. I used to rely on my accomplishments and achievements for my joy.
If I didn’t have something to brag about to others, I wasn’t joyful. My joy depended on my own doing.I had to hit rock bottom to learn joy is not dependent on my possessions, finances, or relationships.
Joy comes from knowing God and His faithfulness. He is our Savior. Even if we don’t have the job or things we wish we did, God is still good, and His joy is still available to us even if.
Dear Lord, thank you for your never-changing love and joy for me. My circumstances may never change, but you God, still remain faithful in giving me your love, peace, and joy. Help me to know you more intimately to fully receive the joy you give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Encouraging you always,
Crystal Castillo
embracep3125.wordpress.com 
I love this! “Even If” blog, I had to come to realize that I had to rely on God and stop doing it my way. Funny because one day I was sitting in the back of a youth night and the Holy spirit told me so clear “Do you remember when you where the face of this?” and I replied with so much anger and pride,”Yes, What happened, Why am I not even noticed anymore?” And I felt a like pinch in my heart, and He said “Exactly, Ali. That was the problem, YOU were the face not ME.” OUCH! that hurt so bad but definitely taught me to rely on Him ALWAYS 🙂
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I’m so proud of you my sweet Ali! You inspire me! Embrace Your Journey sweet girl. There is greatness in you being stirred up and refined. It’s going to hurt a little and feel uncomfortable, but it is worth it. God’s grace, love and peace will see you through.
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Ali, thank you for being so real! 💜
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