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).
Father of the heavenly lights, we acknowledge You as the source of all provision. We thank You for the years of plenty, for the streams of blessing You provide. Yet, Lord, we know that lean times may come, when the "fig tree does not bud", when "there are no grapes on the vine," when "the olive crop fails..."
Remind us, Lord, that in our abundance or our lack, You are still God. You "do not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17). You favor us with Your pure providence in times of much or in times of little. Even in the midst of drought and deprivation, You sustain us; You deliver [those who fear You] from death and keep them alive in famine (Psalm 33:18-19).
Teach us, like the apostle Paul, the secret of contentment "in any or every situation...in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12). Teach us, like the prophet Habakkuk to "rejoice in the Lord," to "be joyful in God [our] Saviour" even when the fields are bare, and the barns are empty.
Teach us to know You as the All-Sufficient One, confident that You know our every need; believing that You will provide as You said You would. Help us to be grateful and content. Help us have hearts that are willing to "share [our] food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when [we] see the naked, to clothe them..." (Isaiah 58:7).
Thank You for multiplying our willing gifts so that in Your plan for community, those in need may see Your love and experience Your providence. Thank You for the perfect design You showed us with Your gift of manna to Your people, where "the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had...just as much as they needed" (Exodus 16:18).
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