Yet I Will Rejoice: Finding Joy When Life Feels Empty

 Hey there, 

Some seasons of life just feel empty. Health issues drag on, energy fades, pain becomes constant, relationships fracture, dreams stall, or loss piles up—and the things that once brought joy or purpose seem to wither away. It’s exhausting, and honestly, it can shake our faith to the core. If you’re in one of those valleys right now, know you’re not alone. 

That’s exactly why Habakkuk 3:17-19 speaks so deeply to me in hard times: 

“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 tread on the heights.” (NIV) 

Habakkuk paints a picture of total loss—no harvest, no provision, no security. In our world, that’s like watching hope, strength, or stability slip away all at once. Yet he doesn’t despair. He pivots with that powerful “yet.” He chooses to rejoice—not because life feels good, but because God is good. His joy is rooted in the unchanging Savior, not in changing circumstances. 

Here’s the hope: when life falls apart—whether through loss, hardship, shattered plans, or seasons that leave us empty and wavering—God doesn’t abandon us. He becomes our strength. 

If you’re walking through any kind of devastation right now—prolonged trials, deep grief, chronic struggle, or whatever has left your “fields” barren—hear this: your hardship doesn’t disqualify you from joy in God. It might even deepen it. Lean into Him. Let Him carry you. He’s still sovereign, still faithful, and still your Savior. He gives steady feet to keep moving forward, even on the steepest paths. 

What “though” are you facing today? I’d love to hear (and pray for you) in the comments. 

Keep stepping forward, 

Charlie 

If you're looking for a place to walk through life's valleys together, we'd love to have you—check out Black Hills Church at https://blackhillscoc.org.