Day 2: Though the fig tree may not blossom
Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-18 - NKJV).
Although the fig-tree shall not blossom — Though all outward means of support should fail, yet will I still have a firm confidence in the power, goodness, and faithfulness of God, that He will preserve me, and supply me with all things necessary; and therefore, amidst the most threatening appearances of affairs, I shall still preserve inward peace and serenity of mind, as trusting in Him in whom is everlasting strength, Isaiah 26:3-4.
The state of the land during the captivity may be here prophetically described, when the vineyards, olive-yards, fields, and pastures, would be in a desolate and barren state: or the prophet may be considered as declaring, that even such circumstances should not shake his confidence in God. Yet will I rejoice in the Lord — I shall have Him to rejoice in, and will rejoice in Him. I will joy in the God of my salvation —
In the knowledge and love, the favour and friendship, the care and kindness of Him in whom I have present, and hope to have future and eternal salvation… This is the principal ground of our joy in God, that He is the God of our salvation; our everlasting salvation, the salvation of our souls; and if He be so, we may rejoice in Him as such in our greatest distresses, since by them our salvation cannot be hindered, but may be furthered.
[Jesus is] the God of my salvation… “the joy, the consolation, the hope, the life of believers; without whom the world can offer us nothing but false joys; who was the object of the desires, and the perpetual consolation of the prophets and patriarchs.”
~ Joseph Benson's Commentary ~
Joys are flowing like a river,
Since the Comforter has come;
He abides with us forever,
Makes the trusting heart His home.
Refrain:
Blessed quietness, holy quietness,
Blest assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea, Jesus speaks to me,
[He speaks peace to me]
And the billows cease to roll.
Everything is turned to gladness,
All around this glorious Guest;
Banished unbelief and sadness,
All is perfect peace and rest.
Like the rain that falls from heaven,
Like the sunlight from the sky,
So the Holy Spirit given,
Falls upon us from on high.
What a wonderful salvation,
Where we always see His face!
What a peaceful habitation!
What a quiet resting place!
~ Manie P. Ferguson ~ 1897
Comments