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Actually, Really, Honestly and Truly


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.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer
he enables me to go on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

 

         "No matter who the president is, Jesus is King." This phrase or one like it came to mind yesterday. I don't recall whether I was thinking about the president, or a judge, or someone else. I found myself wondering if I really meant it. Would I be content if someone of whom I didn't approve was president? The fact is, I haven't approved of the president for the past eight years and I'm not thrilled about the man who is taking his place. Am I living as if it doesn't matter who the president is because Jesus is King? Sometimes I live as though it doesn't matter who the president it, but do I live that way because I know Jesus is King, or do I live that way because I don't really see a lot of connection between the president and me? The question really comes down to this: do I live as if Jesus is King?
         When things go right, it's not difficult to rejoice in the Lord or to be joyful in God my Savior. What about when the fig tree doesn't bud and there are no grapes on the vines? What about when the fields produce no food and there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls? What about when the electricity isn't working or the price to heat the house, put food on the table or maintain an internet connection rises. How about when my best friend decides she doesn't want to ever hear my voice again or I've lost my cell phone? Am I joyful in His sovereignty then?
        An even tougher question: If the sovereign Lord is my strength... do I obey Him? Do I eat according to what my body actually needs or do I eat what I want? Do I make sure no unwholesome word comes out of my mouth? Do I throw away (or return) a book or turn off a TV show that does not obey the principles and laws He has set forth in His Word? Do I even bother to study what He has said so that I know what the sovereign Lord has said? Do I live as if I really believe that He actually, really, honestly and truly is sovereign? 
           It's a good thing that my disobedience doesn't nullify His sovereignty. I try to take control without even thinking. Even within His sovereignty, I tell myself that I need to be in control of that for which I am responsible. That sounds good, but it's really just an excuse for my need to be in control of the piece of my life. I need to make this verse part of my life again.

 

           

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