Strength for the High Places: A 10-Day Journey Through Habakkuk 3:19 | Day 1 | The Lord Is My Strength: Power in Weakness

I want to begin this series by giving a bit of background.

The prophet Habakkuk was a man who lived during a time of national turmoil in Judah. 

Unlike many other prophets who spoke directly to the people, Habakkuk’s writings are unique because they record a dialogue between him and God. He was burdened by the violence, injustice, and idolatry he saw around him, and he boldly questioned God about why He allowed such evil to persist. 

In chapters 1 and 2, Habakkuk wrestled with God’s answers, but by chapter 3, his lament turned into a prayer of faith and praise. 

Chapter 3, which forms the basis of our study during this series, is structured like a psalm, filled with imagery and worship, ending with one of the most powerful declarations of trust in the entire Old Testament: “The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills” (Habakkuk 3:19, NKJV). 

This verse, Habakkuk 3:19, is not spoken from a place of ease or abundance but from a place of difficulty, where the prophet recognized that only God could supply the strength needed to endure.

Habakkuk’s confession is a reminder to me, to us, that strength is not found in ourselves but in the Lord. As much as our money and position, or our influence, may put us on a pedestal, we really have no strength or power or might or impetus or motivation to go on without God. 

Truth be told, many times we feel like giving up when we hit those obstacles, and it seems like nothing is going right, everything we do is creating more problems, doing more harm than good.

Isaiah reminds us: “He (God) gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29–31, NKJV). 

In a world where so many things sap our strength—stress from work, financial worry (more bills than money), broken relationships caused by unforgiveness, stubbornness, and betrayal, constant pressure to perform and be better than or outshine the other, being in competition with one another instead of building one another up, and even our own inner battles with doubt and fear—we are reminded that human effort alone cannot sustain us.

Some of the daily realities that weaken us are subtle. And worrying about them eats away at peace. Jesus warns us: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV). 

Negativity and comparison drain joy. Paul cautions: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, NIV). 

Holding on to bitterness and anger depletes our emotional and physical energy. Ephesians 4:31–32 (NIV) tells us: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” 

These daily choices and responses, if unchecked, can leave us feeling spiritually exhausted. This is why developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence is so crucial. 

Self-awareness means being honest about what drains us and knowing when we are carrying burdens too heavy for us. Proverbs 14:10 (KJV) says: “The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.” 

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions, as well as empathize with others. Even Jesus showed emotional intelligence—He wept at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35, KJV), He felt compassion for the crowds (Matthew 9:36, ESV), and He expressed righteous anger at the temple being turned into a marketplace (Matthew 21:12–13, NKJV). 

Jesus’ life models for us how to manage emotions without being consumed by them.

When we become aware of what saps our strength—whether it is fear, unforgiveness, overwork, or simply trying to do life in our own power—we can then turn more intentionally to God as our true source. 

Paul writes, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10, NKJV). 

So weakness is not failure, rather, it is an invitation to lean on the One who never grows weary.

In fact, Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

This does not mean every desire of ours will be fulfilled, but rather that in every circumstance—whether plenty or lack, joy or sorrow—we can endure because Christ infuses us with His strength. 

David also testified of this when he declared, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2, NKJV).

So when Habakkuk says, “He will make my feet like deer’s feet” (Habakkuk 3:19, NKJV), he paints a picture of agility, stability, and grace even on dangerous and rocky terrain. 

Life’s path is not always smooth, but God equips us with surefootedness to keep moving upward, no matter the obstacles. 

Just as a deer can stand and leap confidently on steep and rugged places, so God enables us to walk confidently even when our circumstances are unstable.

Family, the lesson for us today is clear: we cannot rely on our own strength. We must intentionally take time to tap into God’s power. 

Jesus Himself invited us: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30, NKJV). 

Every day, we have the choice to either carry our burdens alone or exchange them for His strength.

No matter the situation—whether personal struggles, emotional weariness, or spiritual battles—we are called to pause and turn to God. 

Psalm 46:1 (NKJV) says: “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” 

The same God who carried Habakkuk through despair to a place of worship is the same God who promises to carry us today. 

Therefore, let us resolve, like Habakkuk, that even when we feel weak, we will remember the Lord is our strength and He will empower us to walk on our high places.