Thanks for Nothin' - Devotional
Thanks for nothin’
On the front line of the Marion Salvation Army Corps—the front
desk—I hear heart-breaking stories from the homeless, those
without food, and just today, a women living in a low-income
apartment who has lost four children to gun violence. Most people
who stop by have very little for which to give thanks. The
prophet Habakkuk writes:
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
- Habakkuk 3:17-18
Little is known of the prophet except that he lived in the time
when Israel was oppressed and many had been taken captive by the
Babylonians. There was little reason to give thanks. Maybe you’re
also facing this Thanksgiving Day with little for which to give
thanks.
In spite of living in captivity and facing what appears to be a
famine, Habakkuk writes, “Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord!”
His contemporary prophet, Jeremiah, also wrote of the time of
invasion, occupation and captivity:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are
plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a
hope” Jeremiah 29:11.
Keep in mind, this verse—which is a favorite “promise verse” for
many—was written just before 70 years of Babylonian captivity!
And notice Habakkuk is not giving thanks for his situation, but
in his situation!
We may feel we have nothing materially, but the psalmists
believed we have Someone for whom to give thanks:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love
endures forever.
Make a list of eternal things for which we can give thanks this
Thanksgiving: for the God of our salvation, for his plans for
good and a future and a hope, for his faithful love that endures
forever . . . even when we have little physically, socially, or
financially which to give thanks.
Give thanks to the Lord!