Our Cries Through The Words of Habakkuk
Habakkuk 1:1-3 - “The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.”
Habakkuk's prophecy was a message of hope and encouragement to God's people, who were living in a world seemingly on the verge of collapse.
God’s word reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is with us and will never forsake us. As we face challenges and uncertainties, let us take heart and trust in the Lord's unfailing love and mercy. The prayer of Habakkuk serves as a powerful symbol of faith and hope, even in the midst of devastation.
Habakkuk 3:1-2 - “A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. [2] O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.”
This prayer was meant to encourage and uplift the people of God who were facing immense turmoil and destruction, and it is still relevant today as a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. Habakkuk's words remind us that even in the darkest of times, we can find hope and strength in the belief that a brighter tomorrow is possible.
As the prophet expresses his distress about God's perceived inaction in the world, specifically in justice for evildoers, he chooses to channel it into prayers and eventually praise God instead of trying to run away from the Lord.
Despite his initial doubts, Habakkuk's faith in God remains steadfast, and he ultimately learns to trust in God's plan and timing for justice. The Lord had a plan, and it would not persist for long. Babylonians, another nation, were going to come and take action.
Habakkuk posed a question to God that many of us have likely asked ourselves, given the evidence of evil in our lives and the scars it has left us with. We are often weighed down by our own poor decisions and the fallen world we live in, feeling trapped in a dark prison of sorts surrounded by evil.
This book serves as a potent reminder that no matter how dark a place may seem or how thick a wall may be, God's grace can penetrate and bring life-affirming change.
Our Prayer for today:
Dear God, thank you for reminding us through Your Word that You are in control and aware of all our challenges and trials. Teach us to steer our eyes away from difficulties we face daily but only focus on Your will in our lives. In our life’s journey, we will tread on deep valleys threatened by many storms of life. Help us remain strong and continue our journey until Your return. In Jesus' name. Amen!