WHY?!
Why doesn’t God DO SOMETHING about all the ______________ I see in this world?
Take a moment to contemplate 2020’s experience thus far, and fill-in-the-blank with one or more answers.
* * *
Perhaps you filled in the blank with responses like these examples:
§ Injustice
§ Wickedness / iniquity
§ Violence / destruction
§ Strife / misery
§ Conflict / divisiveness
Why, indeed!
Although such questions seem particularly relevant in 2020, the example responses above are taken from Habakkuk 1:1-4, written in the 7th century B.C.!
Habakkuk the prophet was bold and transparent in his conversation with God. Disappointment and despair drip from the opening verses, which wrap with a formidable woe: “The wicked far outnumber the righteous!” Perhaps he felt as if the world was closing in on him and others desiring righteousness – desiring God.
* * *
Thankfully, the book of Habakkuk presents a two-way dialogue, with God responding directly to Habakkuk’s challenge. So, shall we read this scripture with special interest? Certainly!
Before we go to God’s response (which is both unexpected and transcendent!), simply be still and reflect on Habakkuk’s questions, to understand what Habakkuk understood. God hears us. He sees us. He knows us…and He desires a deeper relationship with us. Go ahead – ask your “why” questions to God. Whatever you have – he can take it. Anger? Deep disappointment? Epic iniquity? That’s right – he can take all of that. Not only can he take it – he can USE it.
Yes, the God of the universe can use your questions – and your circumstance – for Kingdom purposes.
Now, let’s examine God’s response to Habakkuk’s “why” questions. As it turns out, not only can God use all your questions, He also uses all the ______________ [match your fill-in-the-blank above] in the world as well! God is in control, even when division and chaos appear triumphant!
Take heed! We have clear, direct instruction from our Sovereign Lord.
“Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.”
Habakkuk 2:4
May we be faithful. May we truly trust in God Almighty – not ourselves, not idols and entrapments of this world. May we be counted amongst the righteous, and humbly recognize our place in relationship with God our Savior. May we understand what Habakkuk understood:
“Though the fig tree does not bud, though 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, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. You, the LORD are my strength! You make me as surefooted as a deer; you make me able to walk on high places!”
Habakkuk 3:17-19
With God in control, and with you humbly pursuing righteousness, on what high places will you tread? What a victorious viewpoint! Amen!