“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 NLT)

He rejoiced until the end.

He was a dying breed. When I began pastoring the church in which he was a member, we had three World War 2 veterans. But time and bad health had taken their toll. One after another, both of the others had died. Now, he remained as our only relic of a time representing ancient history for many.

His mind remained sharp, but his body couldn’t keep pace. Pneumonia plagued him. It seemed he recuperated from one bout only to have another pounce on him quickly.

The Christmas season before his death turned sour for him. While at a local restaurant, my wife and I had seen him and the daughter who had lived with him for the past seven years. He looked bad.

Not long after, the daughter called to let me know her father was in the hospital with pneumonia. A few days later, she called again to say they were moving him to a rehab center. The pneumonia had left him so weak he could not walk without help. After another few days, she called again to say he was back in the hospital. This time, he never left.

But on the night before his death, the daughter stopped by our house. Her father wanted her to drop off a few things. One, his tithes. Two, a reminder to put our annual academic scholarship announcement in the bulletin. The following day, he was gone. He rejoiced in serving God through his local church until the day of his death.

Habakkuk lived in a grim time. God’s people were disobeying God and suffering the ill effects of God’s discipline. Yet, amid dire situations, the prophet rejoiced. He knew God was also a God of mercy and grace.

We can rejoice no matter our circumstances—financial strains, health setbacks, emotional battles. Our God reigns. Our God is sovereign. He is just and will do the right thing.

Tears flowed at the veteran’s funeral, but the smiles overpowered them as friends and family relived good memories of one who rejoiced through what many might consider a hard life. The war in and of itself was enough.

Ask God to show you how to rejoice no matter your circumstances. Father, help me to rejoice through all circumstances as I serve you.

Martin Wiles