Yet

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.

What truth! Even when things are bad, God is still God. (Did I talk about this yesterday??) Anyway, it's so true. Even when the enemy is closing in, we still have no reason to complain or distrust because at the end of the day, God is still God. He is still our strength, and He will yet lead us where we want to go. So we ought to rejoice in every circumstance (in case you thought Paul was crazy when He said that). In every circumstance we can be content because we can do anything with Christ's strength. (Phil 4) We can continue because God is with us. Seriously, I don't think Paul had any original thoughts. I am more convinced of that everytime I read the Old Testament. If you look at Phil 4 and Habakkuk 3 (above), they are pretty much saying the same thing.

Paul, the great plagiarizer. :)

Lord, be my strength today. Fill me with power to do what I need to do and to face anything that comes my way. Fill me with love and peace. I rejoice in Your goodness and favor. I rejoice in Your power and strength. I rejoice in Your mercy and grace. Pour out upon me, Lord! Praise You Father for Your justice. Guide me in justice, not in anger. To You Father belongs all the praise, glory, and honor, forevermore.

Amen. Amen. Amen.