I live a blessed life, just as most of us do. I have a bounty of food, clothing, and shelter.  I have a loving family and caring friends. But have you ever experienced a difficult  time in your life where you felt like God was silent? Sometimes I feel like Habakkuk. I too cry out, “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!”  but you do not save?  Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.”  (Habakkuk 1:1-3)

This book in the Bible is a lament and prayer from the prophet Habakkuk.  The lament is followed by a response from God that illustrates His true character. God not only acknowledges Habakkuk, but he offers him hope and a promise for restoration. God shows that he is in control of all situations even when it appears chaotic. He has a plan, he has a purpose, and he calls us to faith in his timing. We are called to wait with expectation and confidence that he will act. The Lord answers Habakkuk by saying, “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.” (Habakkuk 1:5) God may respond in ways we do not understand, but he is always faithful. Habakkuk tells us to expect God to answer our cries. In Habakkuk 2, he says to “stand and watch” to see how God will answer.

It is easy to question God’s goodness when we view the world around us. Does he care what is happening in our schools? Does he know how much chaos and unrest is occurring around the world? Why doesn’t he heal the people we love? Why does he allow bad things to happen to children? Habakkuk displays what has often been called “Even If Faith.” He responds to God by saying in Chapter 3 that even if the situation around him is difficult, and even if he doesn’t understand God’s will, Habakkuk replies, “yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:18)

God does not promise to eliminate all of our problems or provide us a stress-free life. But he does offer us something much better which we can depend on when trials come. Even if you don’t get the job you hope for, praise God for he will provide for you. Even if you do not receive complete healing, be joyful for God will send people to care for you. 

Know today that the Lord is your sovereign strength. Cling to God’s Word which we know to be  true during unsteady times. Even if the world is shaking around you, God will always be your steadfast hope. Stand and watch – be utterly amazed by your God!

Written by Judy Musick