Even though the fig trees have no blossoms and there are 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! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17-19
My friend walked through our front door carrying a single flower. It was clear that it was a fresh cutting from her garden, and considering our recent historically cold weather, it was an unexpected gift. The flower was stunningly beautiful. Her thoughtfulness in sharing it with me and its beauty alone brought joy to my heart. Then she told me the name. “Irrational Exuberance.” According to my research, and not because I possess a green thumb, I learned it is aptly named and is one of the showiest and most elegant variegated Camellias, blooming from late winter into spring. Before knowing anything about the flower, the name reminded me of the verse from Habakkuk.
Anyone within earshot of Habakkuk’s prayer could definitely have described him as exhibiting “irrational exuberance.” Being joyful (exuberant) and finding any reason to rejoice amid the circumstances would seem illogical and unjustifiable (irrational) to those around him. The prophet lived in a time of desperation and distress. Wickedness and oppression surrounded him. God revealed to him that the Babylonians were coming, and He would not stop them. The Israelites would be exiled because of their rebellion and refusal to repent of their sins. There were no clear reasons for joy to be found in those circumstances.
Much like we do today during trials and suffering, Habakkuk asks God why and how long he will endure his circumstances in the opening chapter. Peter says, “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13). So Habakkuk should not have been surprised by his circumstances, nor should we. And there it is again. The unnatural human response to pain and suffering. Joy! And not just joy, but overjoyed; Exuberant! Christians should not be happy that the journey brings trials, heartache, and suffering, but we should view them with joy because of our hope and trust in Jesus. God did not leave Habakkuk hanging; He revealed to him the purpose of the suffering. He may not always explain why or for how long we suffer, but we can trust there is always a purpose. God is sovereign and is always at work. The unbeliever, during suffering, is consumed by chaos, bitterness, and anger because they see only the pain and not the purpose. If we remain in Him, steadfast and patient, He will use the trial for our good and His glory. That’s a promise (Romans 8:28-29).
My personal experience is that there is never just a single reason for pain and suffering because it is not lived out in this world in a vacuum. Our trials are interwoven and intermingled with the lives of others, and both Believers and unbelievers will witness our responses. Every trial allows us to seek God more passionately, know Him more deeply, and display “Irrational Exuberance” to the world amid suffering. That’s our witness, His glory, and your Tuesday Tidbit.