Many times at the end of the year or the beginning of a new one people get depressed. Over in Habakkuk, which is near the end of the Old Testament, is a passage I want to share with you which should bring new joy to your life. Chapter 3:17-18 "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

Now many of us if we were in the position as the person who is quoted here would believe that there was no use in going on with our life. This person seems desperate until we get to verse 18 where he says; "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord." Why is he rejoicing? The reason is that though hardships have come knocking he has strength in his spirit from God above. The joy of the Lord is our strength. To know God and to understand that our problems are God's problems bring us joy. He is the problem solver! 2 Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

We as believers know that the Lord holds our salvation. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is able to perform that which is just in each of us. 1 Peter 1:8 "you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Sometimes God just fills our heart with joy and peace, which passes all understanding. We are grateful when it comes even though we are not always expecting it.

When the devil comes against you or your church just quote this following scripture and remind the devil of how we are made strong by the joy and knowledge of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 8:2 "How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty, abounded unto the riches of their liberality." My God is rich, Psalms 50:10 "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills." God is our provider in the time of trouble and despair.

Why would the God of the universe want to deliver us from trouble? Why would he care enough? The answer to this question can be found in Genesis. By the word of God everything that was made that was made when God spoke the words. God spoke the worlds into existence. However man was special. Man is something that he actually formed with his own hands and breathed his spirit into. Mankind is God's favorite and that is the reason God sent his best to us in the person of Jesus Christ. God could have sent anything to mankind in order to make us happy. He could of sent us perfect weather, food for everyone, etc, but he chose to send us the very best he had in order that our joy would be full (2 John vs.12). 3 John vs.4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." We will walk in truth if we have received God's gift of his Son Jesus Christ into our hearts. Jesus being the only true light brings joy and peace to the believer. It is not superficial or momentary. Jesus brings gifts and blessings, which are eternal. God understood that the world was only temporary for mankind. Not wanting any to perish he made a way of escape for man. God extended his love to us while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

So what do we have to be joyful over? A believer must know that God is with us in everything. He loved us so much that he sent his Son into this world that we would not perish but have everlasting life. While we are here upon this world trials and tribulations will come. We all will feel heartache and pain. Let us all reflect upon the Lord and allow him to bring us joy through that eternal spirit he has blessed us with.

In Christ Jesus,

Dale Thompson