Still I Will Rejoice

STILL I WILL REJOICE

"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—

18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18.

In life there are times when it's kind of easy to trust in God's goodness, and to praise Him because He has been good to us. Yet there are other times when things are falling apart. These are times when sorrow fills our hearts and we wonder if God really care about us. In such times, can we still trust in God's love? How can we be joyful in pain, COVID-19, rejection or distress? Is it possible to rejoice when we're going through tough times?

The Bible reading for this sermon is an account of Prophet Habakkuk who got to a point in his life (and the children of Israel as well), when things were so bad. They were in a totally difficult and depressing times. But rather than murmur or worry, Habakkuk chose to rejoice in the Lord God. Even with things falling apart, he chose to rejoice. The future may look bleak, but his heart blooms with joy. Difficulties couldn't dictate his joy.

The word “still” in this context means regardless of what's going on, I will rejoice in the Lord. It also means however and regardless of the situation and circumstance I will be glad in the Lord. Other words for "still" in this context means notwithstanding, in-spite-of, despite, yet, but, though, although, and until now. The word "rejoice" means to delight, glory, exult, joy, triumph, gladden, delight, be glad, cheer and enliven. The Bible commands us to rejoice always for the joy of the Lord is our strength. No storm should keep us downcast.

"23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." Acts 16:23-25.

It is so easy for us to read passages like this and miss the cruelty of what happened and is being communicated! They were guilty of preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus. Those were the charges against Paul and Silas. They were beaten with stick without trials. Beatings like these would often lead to deep bruises, swellings, external and internal bleeding and broken ribs. After this severe beating, and likely still in severe pain, they are ordered bound by leg and thrown into the deepest and darkest part of the prison. There were probably rats and snakes in this part of the prison. It is also likely to be a disgusting place with smelly water, urine and excrement. Yet what do we find Paul and Silas doing? They are singing and praising God so loud enough that the other prisoners in other parts of the prison could hear them. Yes they were in prison but the most important thing for Paul and Silas was not the pain, injustice and suffering. They were rejoicing, because of the presence of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” Matthew 28:20. What happened next? The prison doors opened, their chains fell off and they walked out as free men. Are you singing in your prison cell? Are you worshiping God in the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation? Your prison doors may not fly open, but the presence of God is with you always, even in the darkest nights.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4.

At the time the apostle Paul wrote this epistle to the Philippian church and encouraging them to rejoice in the Lord he was locked up in a prison for preaching the Gospel of Jesus. Yet he told his readers to rejoice! Joy is not found in the world. It is not found in other people. Joy is not in circumstances and unfavourable situations. To rejoice is to take delight in the source of our joy and the Hope of the hopeless. You can keep a bright outlook in the midst of hardship! We can have peace when we know that the Lord Himself is close at hand.

"Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshiped." Job 1:20. Though troubled, afflicted with grief and tragedies Job worshiped! He chose to rejoice in the Lord.