“The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see, O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou show me iniquity and cause me to behold grievance? For spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention” (Habakkuk 1:1-3).
The NIV Study Bible has this to say about today’s verses: Habakkuk “had a dialogue with God. The basic theme is age-old: Why does evil seem to go unpunished? Why does God not respond to prayer? Violence! At this time Judah was probably under King Jehoiakim, who was ambitious, cruel, and corrupt. Habakkuk describes the social corruption and spiritual apostasy of Judah in the late seventh century B.C.” The NIV states verse three this way: “Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.” As you can guess, this was Habakkuk’s complaint. Do you ever find yourself complaining about the condition of our own nation? Just as God had an answer for His prophet, He has one for us.
We often forget the power and sovereignty of our Savior. God has everything mapped out. He sees the total picture. We have to trust He knows what He is doing. Our prayer for those around us as well as our nation and world would be ready to meet the Lord before the final judgment. Though Habakkuk might not have understood God’s plan for Judah, when the time was right, the Babylonians took the apostate nation of Judah captive. God’s timing and ways are nothing like ours. We find, at the end of the book, what Habakkuk learned. People should put their complete trust in God no matter what the circumstances. God is bigger than any physical or spiritual problem.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the ministry of Moms in Prayer, International (formerly Moms in Touch). Ask God about the possibility of starting or supporting such a group in your community.
