Worthy of Our Praise!
by Tracy Gordon
“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
One of my favorite Thanksgivings was when our children were in elementary school. We knew we were going to be gathering with family in the afternoon, but God profoundly put on our hearts to do something for others that morning. At that time, McDonald’s was doing a throwback to their 29-cent hamburgers and 39-cent cheeseburgers. Remember that?!
After a family discussion, we decided to get 100 hamburgers/cheeseburgers, drinks, fruit, and granola bars and head downtown to feed some of the homeless in the community. We parked on a street where there were many gathered; opened up our car, pulled out the cooler, prepped bags of food, and began inviting people to come over. Individuals began approaching us with huge smiles of surprise on their faces. My heart was overflowing as I watched our children joyfully passing out food and engaging with our downtown neighbors, many who were enduring tough times at no fault of their own. The Lord was being praised for this provision—rightfully so—as many didn’t know when their next meal was coming.
However, I have also witnessed the Lord being praised despite provision. About 8 years ago, I went on a mission trip to Honduras. Honestly, I had never seen poverty and the lack of basic needs like I did on that trip. People were hungry, homeless or living in shacks; jobs were scarce, illness was prevalent, and yet…people were praising God and continuing to expect His provision would come. They weren’t praising Him for His provision, but more importantly, for who He is. Witnessing this hit me like a lightning bolt and I was overcome with thanksgiving.
The prophet Habakkuk also struggled to see God’s provision in his life. He argued with God, complained, and wrestled things through with Him. Finally, he surrendered and said in chapter 3:17-18: “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.”
That time in Honduras was an eye opener for me, as I knew I was guilty of not always trusting God for His provision in the difficult times of life. I was allowing doubt and worry to creep in. I wonder if that’s how Jesus’ disciples felt when He said He was going to feed thousands of people with five loaves of bread and two fish (John 6:1-15). They may have believed He could feed them, but all they saw was one little lunch and one very big crowd. It must have been strange to watch Jesus give thanks for the way-too-small amount of bread as if it could actually fill all those bellies. The kicker here is that Jesus gave thanks for the not-enough; trusting God, the Provider, to turn it into more than enough. He gave thanks before the miracle. Wow!
Thanksgiving is an expression of joy, not because of what God provided but because He is the Provider. Our joy comes not from what we have but from who He is, and giving thanks opens our eyes to see more of Him. Giving thanks needs to be proactive, not reactive. Habakkuk chose to rejoice. He chose to give thanks when there was nothing, trusting God for the something. Like Jesus, he knew the Provider of all things. While Habakkuk couldn’t see the how, he saw the Who.
Maybe you have a “not-enough” situation in your life? The rent is due, but your car broke down. Your child is struggling in school or with friends, but you don’t know how to help. Will you join me in thanking God in the not-enough moments and seeing them as opportunities for Him to give more than enough? Thanking God in all circumstances for what we can see opens our eyes to what we otherwise cannot see. It ushers in God’s peace (Philippians 4:7) and emboldens us with His strength to persevere (Nehemiah 8:10). After all, if the situation were solvable without Him, we would miss the moment He will do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). This Thanksgiving and always, let us give the Lord all the thanks, praise, and glory He deserves.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the doubt and worry I allow to creep into my life. Thank You that You are always there even in the “not-enough” moments. Please help me to be ever grateful, choosing to praise You even when I cannot see how You are working, knowing You will do immeasurably more than I could ask. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.