September 18th

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18

We can evaluate our human relationships with a question, “What have you done for me lately?” God does not want us to relate to Him in this way. He yearns for us to develop a strong relationship with Him based on the intimate knowledge of His character and nature. Any relationship based on actions alone will be shallow and ineffective.

The gateway to a powerful relationship with God is based on praise of His greatness and goodness. The repetition of worship and praise keeps us centered on the character and nature of God rather than just the deeds of God. Praise provides us with a wellspring of hope and inspiration, which is an invitation to discover more of the qualities of our God. If we can base our relationship with God on the promises in His Word to be faithful to us and be our rear guard in times of trouble, then in times of famine we will have a strong foundation to believe in His miraculous provision.