The Story of Habakkuk
Habakkuk lived during the final decades of Israel’s southern kingdom and it was a time of injustice, idolatry, immorality and violence. Evil were flourished in God’s city, but God seemingly did nothing about the situation. Habakkuk was confused at the time and complained to God.
When told that God was preparing to do something about it through the wicked Babylonians, his confusion intensified: How could a Holy God who is “Pure” use such a corrupt nation to execute His judgment on His people?
God assured Habakkuk that Babylon would be judged, and God is completely in control of History. The terrifying Babylon will eventually be destroyed and the righteous will be save by their faith.
Habakkuk was in awe by the revelation. He then responded in worship and celebrated once again God’s past victories and ended the story on high.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NASB)
17 Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
It is the promise and the sure confidence in the Mighty God that enables Habakkuk to conclude his story with this hopeful praise.
Grammar of Faith
Unlike Habakkuk, many Christians nowadays have a hard time using the same language as the prophet especially in times of trouble.
Though God is good BUT I’m not well.
Though God is mighty, BUT I’m struggle.
When we put the right content into the wrong place, our attention will shift drastically. In some cases, this may drag us down in focusing on the problems instead of the goodness and unchanging character of God.
Habakkuk misused the grammar of Faith and became extremely distressed.
-Evil has won
-Babylon is bigger than our Mighty God
Habakkuk was so focused on the problems and missed out the many great things that God was about to do. However, at the end, when Habakkuk realigned His mind again, we then saw an amazing transformation in him.
Wrestling with God <—> Resting in God
Miserable <—> Rejoice
Complaining/arguing<—> Singing praises
Impatient<—> Patient
Depressed<—> On a high
We need to watch the way we speak as it influences the way we believe
Prayer:
Dear God,
I wish the pain, the burden and the distressed will disappear and never return.
But no matter how hard I tried, I feel like I’m still in the darkest days of my live.
O God, you are the one who is in control of all history and You can redeem what seems unredeemable.
So, I put my trust in You.
THOUGH the world’s falling apart,
YET I choose to stand on Your promises in times of troubles because I remember Your gracious deliverance in the past.
THOUGH I’m in deep trouble, YET I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
O God, You are good.
In Christ Jesus name we pray
Amen
