Habakkuk 3:17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail… I. THE OBJECT OF OUR JOY. Our God in whom we rejoice. He is Lord. Jehovah is both His name and His description. He is "God of salvation." He is the God of my salvation. Our joy is spiritual joy; it comprehends in its object the characters and offices of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in the administration of redemption. The essence of this joy is complacency in its object. The joy is nourished and increased by the Spirit, with scriptural discoveries of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And joy in the Lord God of our salvation hath little in it which is vehement, but much that is operative and practical. II. FORMING RESOLUTIONS TO ABOUND IN THIS JOY. Such resolutions have been formed. Such resolutions may be formed. Such resolutions should be formed. They are always formed under spiritual influence. Bold professions are founded on the revealed glory of God's faithfulness and all-sufficiency, He is the Almighty God, and His faithfulness is engaged to support the people of His love and care. These bold resolutions look out of countenance all the evils that would intimidate and shake the confidence of God's people. Of these bold resolutions we have some eminent and illustrious scriptural examples. Such resolutions are neither formed nor executed without a conflict. Then suffer the word of exhortation. Be not surprised that the word is, "Rejoice evermore." Nothing in the subject should hinder our joy. And the honour of our profession calleth us to rejoice. Attend to the following instructions — 1. Be well assured of the solidity of the foundation on which the joys of faith are built. 2. Seek to attain clearness concerning your interest in the God of salvation, through union with Christ in effectual calling. 3. Be followers of that which is good. 4. Look to the Lord in the administration of providence, and submit to His will manifested in it. (A. Shanks.) Parallel Verses KJV: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: |
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