It’s easy to praise God when life feels full, isn’t it? When the crops are yielding, the prayers are being answered, and we have plenty. God is good, and boy, do we want to sing and shout about it. He’s worthy of all our praise! But when we’re waiting on the crops to produce fruit, and the prayers go unanswered, we feel empty. We know God is good, but perhaps it doesn’t feel like He is right now. Deep down, we know He deserves our praise, but honestly, worship in the absence of praise feels unnatural.
In Habakkuk 3:17-18, we read these awe-inspiring words: “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! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation” (NIV)! How is it that the author of this book was able to praise God in both scarcity and overflow? In both seasons of lack and abundance? Perhaps because real faith blesses God in both seasons.
When the Fields Are Empty
Trusting God in hard times is the reality of emptiness. When we experience loss, unanswered prayers, and emotional burnout, our faith feels lacking. Not only that, but we may even feel forgotten or disappointed by God. If He really loved us, then why would we be experiencing this present sorrow?
The reality is that Habakuk’s response demonstrates radical and lasting faith, regardless of the season. Lines 17-18 mention fig trees without blossoms, vines without grapes, olive crops that are failing, empty fields, dead flocks, and empty barns. Yikes! Talk about a poor season. And yet, these verses end with praise. They end with choosing joy before circumstances change. Do you know how to do that?
Learning to choose joy before our circumstances change isn’t natural or easy. But it can be practical and honest. Blessing God in lack means expressing honest lament (not fake positivity). This means telling Him exactly how you feel and not hiding your feelings. But it also means not staying there. It’s then choosing to go beyond our emotions and trust Him even when visible evidence is lacking. We do this by anchoring ourselves in God’s character regardless of the outcome. He’s who He says He is, regardless of what the world around us looks like.
Because two things can be true at once: We can learn to name our grief while still holding onto hope. Faith doesn’t cancel our emotions; it steadies them for whatever comes next.
When the Fields Are Full
Unlike empty fields, full fields are easy to praise God for! We often call this faith in abundance because life is good. And yet, this is the place where many Christians, including myself, must learn to stay on guard. Because we don’t forget God when we’re lacking. We often forget Him when our lives are full.
The subtle danger of plenty is that we may become self-sufficient. Instead of continually trusting God and relying on Him, we begin depending on ourselves. We may even forget to praise Him, failing to remember that He’s the one who provides for our every need. We don’t mean to, but life happens and keeps going if we don’t make room for praise. Deuteronomy 8:6-14 warns of this exact phenomenon:
“So obey the commands of the Lord your God by walking in His ways and fearing Him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills. It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. It is a land where food is plentiful, and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills. When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey His commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large, and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt” (NLT).
As great as it is, abundance tests our faith because gratitude can fade into entitlement. Suddenly, blessings can replace the Blesser. And if we aren’t careful, we live for what God can give us rather than who He is. If we want to avoid these types of habits, we must remember what it truly looks like to bless God in seasons of plenty. This may include intentional gratitude practices, giving generously with open hands, or remembering where the provision came from, among other things.
The Heart Postures That Stay the Same
In every season, we’re called to have faith that blesses God. Because God is worthy in every season—plenty or lacking, abundant or empty, rich or poor. God’s goodness isn’t based on what He gives or withholds. He’s a good God who loves to provide for His children. But like any good parent, He also wants us to appreciate Him for who He is rather than what He gives us.
Mature faith is steady, not seasonal. It’s supported by worship that isn’t circumstantial and enables us to shift our identity from “God is good because life is good,” to “God is good because He is God.” It’s a heart posture that remains the same regardless of what hardships or blessings we encounter.
If you’re looking for practical ways to bless God in any season, here are a few ideas to get you started:
• Keep a gratitude journal. Write down 3 things you’re thankful for every day. Then, review the list at the end of every month.
• Pray in any and every season. Even when it’s hard, praise God in lack and abundance. This will feel uncomfortable at first, but keep going. It’s not fake. It’s dedication to Him who is more than deserving!
• Remember to practice lament and celebration. Share the hard seasons with God, but remember to rejoice in the good times, too. I love doing this by worshipping Him through song and dance.
• Ground yourself in Scripture by reading it every morning and evening. I recommend studying the Psalms because of how they relate to life’s highs and lows.
Nothing is easy about navigating empty fields and unanswered prayers, but Habakkuk reminds us that empty fields don’t mean we serve an empty God. Choose to worship today, regardless of your circumstances. And in due season, we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up. Plenty or lacking, He’s worthy of all our praise.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ Emilija Manevska
