Devotional Thought

Habakkuk 3:17–19; Deuteronomy 26:1–11

Habakkuk ends his book with a statement that feels almost impossible. He describes a total economic collapse—no crops, no livestock, no income, no security. Everything that once sustained life and wealth is gone. And yet, he says, “I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

This is not denial or optimism. Habakkuk is not rejoicing in the circumstances. He is rejoicing in God when the circumstances have stripped everything else away. His joy is not rooted in provision but in relationship.

To understand how this is possible, Scripture points us back to the principle of firstfruits in Deuteronomy 26. God’s people were instructed to give the first part of the harvest to Him before they knew how much the rest would yield. This was not surplus giving. It was sacrificial, faith-filled giving that acknowledged one core truth: everything they had came from God’s grace.

Giving firstfruits trained the heart to trust God in times of plenty so that trust would remain in times of scarcity. If giving was based only on surplus, generosity would disappear the moment life became difficult.

Habakkuk takes this truth even further. He asks: What if there is no harvest at all? What if there are no firstfruits to give? His answer is that God Himself becomes the treasure. If sins are forgiven and the future is secure, then even when everything else is lost, nothing essential has been taken.

Discussion Questions

1. What emotions do Habakkuk’s words stir in you when you hear him rejoice in God with nothing left?

2. What are the “fig trees and flocks” in your life—the things that most affect your sense of security?

3. Why is it easier to trust God in times of abundance than in times of uncertainty or loss?

4. How does the principle of firstfruits challenge the way we typically think about money, security, and generosity?

5. What is the difference between rejoicing in circumstances and rejoicing in God?

6. How does looking at Jesus—who gave everything—change how we view sacrifice and trust?

7. Where might God be inviting you to shift your joy from provision to relationship?

Action Step

This week, identify one area where your sense of joy or security is tied more to outcomes than to God Himself. Pray honestly about it, and take one intentional step—financial, spiritual, or relational—that reflects trust rather than fear.