Habakkuk: Hope Beyond the HeadlinesНамуна

JUSTICE IS COMING!

Why would a loving God allow people to get away with evil? Why would a loving God allow the innocent to suffer injustice at the hands of the wicked? Perhaps, these are some of the most difficult questions to reconcile. Daily, the media reminds us of war crimes, extortion of the poor, human trafficking, and so much more. One might think that so many oppressors are not only getting away with what they do, but they are also prosperous. Why hasn’t God intervened? Though this question is relevant to the modern day, wrestling with this troubling thought is nothing new. Without receiving the guidance of Scriptures, many have come to question the character of God or even His existence.

Habakkuk is teaching us that God does give an answer. Even though the time may not be what we wish, justice will come. No evil will be left unpunished. Today, we read about the five woes against the Babylonians (also known as the Chaldeans). These woes are a timeless truth that applies to those who do evil in every generation. At a time that only God knows, there will be justice for both the living and the dead. Our troubled and confused hearts will only find comfort and peace when we receive the reassurance that our God is righteous and just. Peace comes only when we determine that we will trust Him, even when it feels like evil is winning.

Ask Yourself:

-What situations have most troubled me because I have not seen God intervene?

-What feelings do I still hold on to because God’s timing has not been what I wanted (Examples: doubt, anger, distrust, fear, hate, or something else)

-Which scriptures will I cling to when I am troubled by injustice?

Pause to Pray: My Father, my Lord, your goodness, your love, your righteousness, your justice are all beyond my comprehension. I am troubled by all the evils of this world. I thank you for the promise that in your time, justice will come. Please give me the strength to rest in your promises. And as I wait, help me to know how I can be part of bringing fairness and kindness to those most vulnerable... Amen

Take a Next Step:

-Confess to God any anger or distrust you have had because God has not yet brought justice that you have desired.

-Make a list of injustices around the world that you are aware of and pray through this list every day for one week.