Devotion 13 February 2026

The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to tread on the heights.

READING: Habakkuk 3:17-19

Its always beautiful to see a female deer sprint away in the wild.

This is the image that the prophet Habakkuk uses to close his book.

The ending of chapter 3 is a big change from chapter 1 which starts with a cry of despair: “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2). The prophet goes on to ask, in effect, “If you are the sovereign God of the universe, why do the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper?”

If we have ever felt trapped in a spiritually dark place, we may have thought the same things: How long must this go on? Where is God? Is he listening? Why won’t he just answer?

From his dark place, Habakkuk emerges to a newly deepened faith, a faith not dependent on what he actually sees with his eyes. Indeed, he’s prepared for more struggles and waiting; yet he says, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.” With this confession of faith, Habakkuk’s spirit is uplifted, like the springing, leaping feet of a deer on the hills.

The Bible is filled with examples of God's faithful provision, often in seemingly impossible situations. We need to hold fast onto the promises of God and magnify His Holy name at all times.

Prayer

Father God, thank you that we may trust in you in times of darkness and uncertainty. We rejoice in you, our Lord and Saviour. To You be all Honour Glory and praise. Amen.