Today is September 15

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Habakkuk, chapter 3.

17 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,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

How are you coming to prayer today? Do you feel empty? Do you feel full? Give yourself space to become self-aware right now.

The word in this passage that I find most striking is the word: “YET”. Habakkuk first describes an emptiness, a lack, and poverty of sorts. And then comes the word YET. He writes that even in the midst of this emptiness, YET he will rejoice in the Lord. Listen again. What word or image stands out to you? What feels most resonant to how you are feeling today?

Scripture is filled with the exhortation to rejoice: despite our circumstances, despite our sense of lack, despite everything. YET I will rejoice in the Lord. Is that difficult for you? As we end prayer today, take time to either rejoice and be joyful, thanking God for His goodness..... or if feels too difficult for you, take time to be honest with God about why.

Music Credit:
"All Things" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)