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. —HABAKKUK 3:17—18

Adversity need not interrupt your communion with Me. When things go "wrong," you tend to react as if you're being punished. Instead of this negative response, try to view difficulties as blessings in disguise. Make Me your Refuge by pouring out your heart to Me, trusting in Me at all times.

spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials.

1. Ever have one of those days when everything seems to be off kilter? How do you let those days affect you? 2. Today's reading gives us insight into how a difficult day might shape our outlook: "your tendency upon awakening is to assess the difficulties ahead of you, measuring them against your average strength. This is an exercise in unreality." Why do you think it does no good to imagine how we might overcome the difficulties of the day before we even know what they are?

BE WILLING TO KEEP CLIMBING THIS HIGH mountain with Me. This journey is training you to see from a heavenly perspective that transcends your circumstances. The higher up the mountain you climb, the steeper and more challenging your path becomes—but the greater your adventure as well.

Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what.

MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE PROBLEMS IN YOUR LIFE. Though many things feel random and wrong, remember that I am sovereign over everything. I can fit everything into a pattern for good, but only to the extent that you trust Me. Every problem can teach you something, transforming you little by little into the masterpiece I created you to be.

Evaluate how well you are handling the adversity in your life. I don't waste anything, including your suffering.

YOU ARE ON AN ADVENTUROUS TRAIL with Me. This is not an easy time, but it is nonetheless good—full of blessings as well as struggles. Be open to learning all that I want to teach you as you journey through challenging terrain, and be willing to let go of familiar comforts so you can say a wholehearted "Yes!" to this adventure.

Thank Me for the difficulties in your life, since they provide protection from the idolatry of self-reliance.

It is important to know the blessings and to rely on God's promises. Please don't misunderstand my point. But the blessings and promises of God in the Bible emerge from a real life's story that also knows that we live in a broken world and some days are tough. The stories of real lives in the Bible know that we are surrounded by hurting people for whom Psalm 22:1 echoes their normal day.

God] disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.