Lord! Why Do You Permit Such Evil?Намуна

A Desperate Cry for Help

“O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?” (Habakkuk 1:2)

Habakkuk is a prophet. Prophets are called to transmit God’s words to the people and to teach them how to live according to God’s will. But the book of Habakkuk starts completely different. Instead of teaching others, this prophet is himself struggling with the Lord God. He cries out: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?”

Habakkuk lists what is going on: he is surrounded by injustice, destruction, and violence. People ignore God’s law. It’s a huge mess!

Habakkuk cries to God for help, but … nothing happens! How can the Lord ignore all the evil going on? Does He even notice?

Habakkuk is confused and sad. However, he does not turn his back on God. He knows only the Lord can actually help. And even though He does not seem to respond now, Habakkuk knows Him as a loving and faithful God. Therefore, Habakkuk keeps crying out to the Lord, waiting for His answer. Over the coming days, we’ll read God’s response.

Can you identify with Habakkuk’s questions? Are there situations in your life that need God’s intervention but that He does not seem to notice? Do you respond like Habakkuk?