Habakkuk: Hope Beyond the HeadlinesSample

REMEMBER GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

We have heard Habakkuk’s complaints. He has honestly expressed his frustration to God, and he has humbly received God’s answer. As chapter two ends, God indicates the proper response, the right posture for one who hears the Word of God: “The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” (Habakkuk 2:20, NIV). This is very like God’s word to the psalmist, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10, NIV).

In our frustration, in our anger, some of us storm around and try to fix everything (and everyone). Others among us storm off, turning our backs on everything (and everyone). Habakkuk show us another way. In the silence, God shifts Habakkuk’s perspective, reminding him that just as He was faithful and just in the past, He will always be faithful and just. Habakkuk’s prayer in chapter 3 begins with remembrance and a plea for mercy (verse 2). Verses 3 through 7 recall the Exodus, that epic moment of deliverance that revealed God’s mission for all people: to redeem them from slavery and bring them to lasting freedom. Then verses 8 through 15 remind us of God’s victories as He led the Israelites into the land He had promised their forefather, Abraham. Habakkuk is reminding himself, and reminding all of us, that God saved his people before, and He will do it again. Look at verse 13 (NIV), You came out to deliver your people, to save your anointed one. Many centuries after Habakkuk, God sends his Anointed One to save the people through his death and resurrection. Praise God, for He fulfills every promise!

Ask Yourself:

-Where have I seen God’s faithfulness and mercy in my life?

-What have the Scriptures taught me about God? How can I draw on those lessons right now?

Pause to Pray: Use Habakkuk 3:2 to lead you into prayer. Lord, I have heard of your fame… in my time make yourself known… Amen.

Take a Next Step: If you haven’t read the story of the Exodus in a while, set aside some time to read or listen to Exodus chapters 1-15. Chapter 15 includes songs of praise from Moses and his sister, Miriam. What will your song to the Lord look like?