In the Midst of Crisis, Give Thanks

Though facing difficult times of crisis, the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk was able to not only rise above and pray, but also rejoice. The verses in Habakkuk 3:17-10 do not actually use the words thanks or gratitude, but it certainly could be implied. Joyful people tend to be thankful people. He was glad for who God is and what God does which would have been thanksgiving.

Thanks in the midst of crisis because of who God is:

1. the Sovereign Lord, the One who has all things under control, who knows the beginning from the end, who works all things for the good
2. the Savior, the One who delivers in the midst of crisis
3. the Strength, the One who enables us to persevere

*** How could Habakkuk not rejoice in God? How could he not give thanks?

Thanks in the midst of crisis because of what God does:

1. He gives strength so we can make it through hardships.
2. He provides what we need to rise above the negativity, discouragement, and bitterness that can grow in the midst of crisis, like the feet of deer running across the ground.
3. He enables us to triumph over that which would keep us from looking to God as the Source of all we need in these difficult times, like treading on the heights where other gods were placed.

*** How could Habakkuk not rejoice in God? How could he not give thanks?

God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His character and abilities do not change. And, He continues to work on behalf of His people. Even in the midst of crisis, how can we not rejoice in our God? How can we not give Him thanks?

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 tread on the heights. (Hab. 3:17-19)

Give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thess. 5:18)