Have you ever just been terrified out of your mind?
Then I'm sure you have something in common with Habakkuk.
Habakkuk lived under the threat of the Babylonians. Babylon was becoming the dominant world power, and Judah would soon feel Babylon's destructive force. The LORD had promised to use the Babylonians to punish Judah for their rebellion.
I'm sure Habakkuk was afraid.
He asked questions – difficult questions – and he diligently sought answers.
He asked God why He would use the wicked Babylonians to punish His people.
He asked why the wicked in Judah were not being punished for their sins.
He asked why a just God could allow such evil to exist.
He asked the questions we ask.
He asked why...
God responded to Habakkuk.
And Habakkuk praised God.
He knew that God was going to discipline the people of Judah and that it wasn't going to be pretty!
But Habakkuk acknowledged God's Sovereign Control, yielded to His Divine Providence, accepted His Perfect Will, and asked for His Help and Mercy.
Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" comes from the very end of Habakkuk's prayer to God.
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign LORD is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights."
(Habakkuk 3:17-19)
Habakkuk affirmed that even in times of fear, he would still rejoice in the Lord. He didn't let his feelings be controlled by the events around him. He trusted God's ability to give him strength.
He let his "even though" turn into "yet I will..."
When nothing makes sense, and you're AFRAID, remember God.
Look to Him, only Him –
He is alive and in control of the world. He is working, and He WILL accomplish His purposes.
So, run like surefooted deer, my friends – across rough and dangerous terrain.
WE ARE NOT ALONE!
"I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works." (Habakkuk 3:2)
What is the "even though" that you want to turn into a "yet I will" in your life today?
Linked today with Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Perfect timing for this post, Sharon. It reflects the thoughts of my heart lately. That's why I reran an old post on Palm Sunday.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how it "looks" from our spot on the pilgrims's path, YET I WILL rejoice in the LORD because He sees, He knows, He saves, He provides, He plans, He is the Almighty one...
I could go on, but really, I rejoice because HE IS. That sums it all up.
Even though we're living in a Habakkuk kind of world.
Reminds me of even when it is not okay - it really is okay. sandie
ReplyDelete"He didn't let his feelings be controlled by the events around him."...whew...I have struggled with this many times and prayed for grace to keep my emotions in check...and then for forgiveness for doubting for even a minute that God was in control...
ReplyDelete"Even though" I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel right now, "yet I will" trust in the One who never fails!
Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteEveryone wants to know why at some time in their lives. Many people ask it often. It is encouraging to know that even people in the Bible asked the question and yet it didn't keep them from having faith. There are so many good examples. This certainly is one of them. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte