Habakkuk 3:17-19 are a couple of my favorite scriptures. The verses depict the prophet’s faith in the Lord despite his material circumstances. I think it would be interesting to put this into modern day language.
Here’s the original. 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 rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength, he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.
Now for the updated version. Though I don’t have the money to buy more than rice and beans at the grocery store, and I can’t pay my electric bill, though my car is sitting on empty, and I can’t find a job, though there’s very little food left in the cabinet, and only oatmeal to set on the table for my kids, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord will provide. He enriches my faith and opens the doors to His provisions. He supplies that job I need so badly and lifts me out of my poverty because I seek first the Kingdom of God.
I don’t believe this revision is merely an interesting exercise, but I think it has meaning for many. If this version brings a bit of hope, email me personally if you’d like. I’d love to hear your testimony. junefoster11@gmail.com