Habakkuk: Hope Beyond the HeadlinesНамуна

REMEMBER WHO GOD IS

God’s response to Habakkuk’s first complaint confused and frustrated him – how could the answer to violence and injustice be brought through more of the same? So, Habakkuk continued the conversation. But before questioning God’s approach, Habakkuk paused to remind himself about who he knew God to be. To our eyes, addressing God as ‘LORD’, ‘My God,’ and ‘Holy One,’ along with ‘everlasting,’ and ‘Rock’ may seem redundant, but each of these names and descriptors revealed aspects of God’s character that Habakkuk knew to be true. Instead of questioning God’s character, he used it as a firm foundation as he wrestled with circumstances he didn’t understand.

The word translated as ‘LORD’ (Jehovah or Yahweh) speaks to God’s self-existent, eternal, unchanging nature. It is most associated with God’s redeeming acts throughout history. He is a God who draws near His people to save them. ‘My God’ (Elohim) springs from God as creator and reminds us of His creative power, authority, and sovereignty. To be ‘holy’ is to be set apart and sacred. God’s holiness reflects His purity. He is free from defilement by sin, so His love and justice are not hindered or swayed by man’s rebellion.

Ask Yourself:

-How might reflecting on the holy, everlasting presence and unchanging nature of God transform my perspective when I face difficult situations or truths?

Pause to Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing yourself to me in Spirit and truth. Your word tells me that you are _____________. As I learn to walk in your ways, I have seen you ______________. Help me to reconcile your goodness and faithfulness with the hard things I see and experience. Teach me how to pause in the midst of my struggles and refocus my gaze on who you are… Amen

Take a Next Step: Locate a list of the names of God revealed throughout the scriptures. Spend time reflecting on the meaning of each name and how leaning into those aspects of His character can help you trust Him more.