Finding Stability in an Unstable World Rising fuel/transportation prices Sinking dollar on the global market Inflation/recession Global war on terror State of war (Iraq and Afghanistan) Nuclear proliferation in North Korea and Iran Climate issues (hurricanes, flooding, tsunamis, droughts, fires) Election year

Finding Stability in an Unstable World Habakkuk teaches us how to respond to God when national circumstances affect us personally.

When God Alone Is Sufficient

Find STABILITY in the Lord

16 I listened and my stomach churned; the sound made my lips quiver. My frame went limp, as if my bones were decaying, and I shook as I tried to walk. I long for the day of distress to come upon the people who attack us. Habakkuk 3:16-18 (NET Bible)

17 When the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines; when the olive trees do not produce, and the fields yield no crops; when the sheep disappear from the pen, and there are no cattle in the stalls, 18 I will rejoice because of the LORD; I will be happy because of the God who delivers me! Habakkuk 3:16-18 (NET Bible)

When God Alone Is Sufficient Our cultural equivalent: When the Ford and Exxon fold, and the stock market crashes; When the U.S. government crumbles, and defense ceases to exist; When Tom Thumb’s shelves are empty, and there is no food in the pantry; When no one is hiring, and there is no money in the account; Even THEN I will rejoice because the Lord has been my source of stability and joy all along.

When God Alone Is Sufficient “Success is wanting the things you have, not having the things you want.”

When God Alone Is Sufficient “If God gave you nothing but himself, would you be satisfied?” –Pastor Peter Lord

When God Alone Is Sufficient Find STABILITY in the Lord

When God Alone Is Sufficient Find STABILITY in the Lord Find STRENGTH in the Lord

19 The sovereign LORD is my source of strength. He gives me the agility of a deer; he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain. (This prayer is for the song leader. It is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.) Habakkuk 3:19 (NET Bible)

When God Alone Is Sufficient “Difficult times reveal where one’s confidence really rests.”

When God Alone Is Sufficient Which is true of you: When I experience positive life circumstances and things are “going well,” it is hard to lean on the Lord. When I experience difficult life circumstances and things are not “going well,” it is hard to lean on the Lord.

19 Remember my impoverished and homeless condition, which is a bitter poison. 20 I continually think about this, and I am depressed. 21 But this I call to mind; therefore I have hope: 22 The LORD’s loyal kindness never ceases; his compassions never end. 23 They are fresh every morning; your faithfulness is abundant! 24 “My portion is the LORD,” I have said to myself, so I will put my hope in him. 25 The LORD is good to those who trust in him, to the one who seeks him. 26 It is good to wait patiently for deliverance from the LORD. Lamentations 3:19-26 (NET Bible)

When God Alone Is Sufficient Find STABILITY in the Lord Find STRENGTH in the Lord

Finding Stability in an Unstable World