There is much to learn about our relationship with God from Habakkuk.
The first two chapters give us an insight in how questioning of god can take place. Questioning and even complaining about what God does based on the present understanding of the character of God is legitimate. It is, however, an opportunity for us to patiently wait and see how God responds to that.
On that basis, the final chapter of Habakkuk is a fascinating insight that gives us a way to approach impending tribulation. How can we find joy in the trouble to come?
I have heard all about you, Lord.
I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
help us again as you did in years gone by.
And in your anger,
remember your mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2 NLT)
Remember what God Has Done: The great acts of God as the foundation of the identity of the nation was embedded in generation after generation. National feast days were opportunities to rehearse the great works of God. With mighty acts that were observed by nations, God’s people had been established. There were still episodes of this goodness in action to the present times. The violence and wickedness that Habakkuk complained about at the start of the prophecy was all the more tragic because this people knew what it was to belong to God and do His will.
Habakkuk, however, can take confidence in what God has done. He can hold onto that to inform his perspective on what is likely to happen in the future.
Our challenge is if we can say the same – do we know what God has done? Have we heard what He’s done in time past and can we use that track record to give hope for our situation? Do we even get an insight into the faithfulness of God even when adverse times hit?
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT)
This word of joy through tribulation is Habakkuk aware of what’s going to happen. He knows that impending devastation is coming. It’s why he asks for mercy at the beginning and it’s not about averting that. It’s about seeing something greater ahead. It’s about the faithfulness of God now giving hope for that salvation ahead.
Life in the here and now is not about avoiding hardship and adversity. It’s about whether we have the hope in the God of our salvation. It’s about whether that can motivate our own faithfulness to God. It’s about whether that can inform our joy and praise when the rough times hit.
(Photo by Conor Luddy on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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