Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (Hab. 3:18)
In Gouverneurs de la Rosée (Masters of the Dew), Haitian novelist Jacques Roumain tells the story of the agricultural community of Fonds-Rouge, devastated by drought. The main character Manuel’s experiences, after returning home from fifteen years of labor in Cuban sugarcane plantations, empower him to propose sustainable solutions to the villagers. Despite the dry spells and poverty plaguing the community, Manuel is able to bring a glimmer of hope to the people in the village. Later, to the great surprise and displeasure of the general population, Manuel is murdered. Despite this unpleasant setback, the novel continues forward to a happy ending, with the community joyfully collaborating to access a water source discovered by the deceased during his lifetime. They finally experience joy and relief from their drought.
Centuries before, the prophet Habakkuk prayed confidently and sighed patiently after the day that would bring calamity to his people because of their sins. And despite the distress that drought, famine, and desolation would cause to his nation, he swore to renew his joy continually in the Lord his Savior.
Whatever the season, there will always be dry times in life. However, the most important thing is to adopt a holy attitude that reflects our hope in God. Henceforth, he is the only one who can revive us again and give back our joy.
Whatever the season, dry or wet, let us rejoice in the Lord.
Handy Calixte is an ordained pastor of L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti and likes writing about various biblical topics. He and his wife, Johane, have three children.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
