Habakkuk 1-3

Scripture 

Habakkuk 3:17-19

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
 and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
 and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
 and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
  I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
  he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
 he enables me to tread on the heights.

Observation-What does it say? 

The entire book of Habakkuk is a conversation between God and man. The first 2 chapters detail Habakkuk's complaint and God's answer. But in chapter 3, Habakkuk's complaints turn to prayer - from worry to worship. 

Understanding-What does it mean? 

Habakkuk lifts up complaints that I think all of us have at one time or another...
    •    Why is there injustice? 
    •    Why must there be strife and conflict and violence? 
    •    Why me?
    •    Why do you allow this? 
    •    Why do you stay silent? Why aren't you listening?
    •    Why do the wicked prevail?
I believe most Christians have asked these questions...and I know many non-Christians that have used these questions as the basis for why they don't believe. 

But just as God answers Habakkuk...
1: 5 Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told.

2: 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
  it speaks of the end
 and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
 it[f] will certainly come
 and will not delay.

We are reminded that God's thoughts and plans are greater than ours...and that his timing is perfect. 

Life Application 

As human children of an all-knowing, all-present God, there is much we do not know or understand.

 

Help us to trust you in times of doubt. May we lift up our complaints and listen for your response. May we remember that you never fail, never leave us or forsake us...but, rather, that your plans are perfect, your love for us is greater and purer than even our best love, that you have a plan and purpose for each part of our lives and that we can experience peace and rest in trusting in you as our Father. Because of that, may we be like Habakkuk and turn our worries to worship. Amen.

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-Rei Bailey