A Daily Devotion for Nov. 19, Thursday

Habakkuk 3:17-19

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. The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. There are certainly times when thanking God is not the first thought coming to my mind. When my annoyances are small, I just fume or try to move on to something else. When they are larger, I often ask God for help to feel better or to move through my situation. But I rarely thank God when I am upset or unhappy. I know Pastor Gil has talked about this a number of times; adversity can help us to grow in God. Job understood this. I hear it, and I agree it makes sense, but I am not sure I have lived it. My trials have been small ones. Even for small trials I find it hard to give thanks. What would happen to me if I had a larger trial to face? Could I thank God?

Father God, you have blessed me with a wonderful family, friends, and life itself. May I be thankful for everything, every moment, all of the time. Amen

Becky, transforming