“Nevertheless… rejoice that your names are written in heaven.“ Luke 10:17-20
“Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Hab. 3:18
Lord Jesus, these verses offer contrasting stories of joy. In the first, 72 disciples returned “booyah-ing” each other over ministry “success.” In the second, the prophet Habakkuk expresses confusion and heartache, as the armies of Babylon approach Jerusalem to invade and destroy it.
The 72 disciples watched darkness flee, Habakkuk saw it coming. In both stories we learn you are the only source and supplier of circumstance-transcending joy and peace.
How we wish our dance-worthy circumstances would always out-number our fear-fueling ones, 10 to 1. But on our way Home, that’s not what you’ve told us to expect (John 16:33).
Like Habakkuk, we often feel confused, sad, and vulnerable. Threats, crises, and hurts seem to contradict your trustworthiness and promise never to forsake us. In those stretches, our joy has to be “yet-joy.” Like Habakkuk, by faith we say, “Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD!”
Though circumstances sabotage my happiness, heartache deflates my gladness, and unknown outcomes turn delight into sleepless nights, yet I will rejoice in you Lord Jesus—our righteousness, King, and peace.
This side of heaven you don’t and won’t explain everything you’re writing into our stories, Jesus. You don’t need our approval, or for us to “sign off” on your sovereign plans. We need you and your salvation. In the Gospel, we copiously, gloriously have both. So Very Amen.