December 19
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3: 17-18 ESV
One of the most difficult times to trust God’s plan is when we see or experience hardship. Habakkuk was struggling with the same thing. He knows that more devastation is coming if Babylon is allowed to take and disperse Israel. In his anguish he poses a question that we hear every time we see tragedy on the news, struggle with illness, or see the wicked go unpunished—why does God allow evil?
Habakkuk lived in a time of great turmoil. Assyria was ruling Judah and the Babylonians were about to appear, with the end result of Israel in exile from the Promised Land. We read yesterday in Jeremiah that they had turned to idolatry, were morally corrupt, and worshipped Baal in the high places, in addition to making sacrifices to other gods. It was hardly the picture of God’s chosen people.
Even knowing that there is a great deal of sin going on amongst his own people, Habakkuk questions God. Why would God use a wicked nation to punish a less wicked one? Why can’t God swoop down in wrath and fury and make things right again?
God reminds Habakkuk that the LORD’s timing is perfect. Babylon won’t be allowed to reign forever and they will give up their plunder to another. That wicked nation will be used for God’s plan, but Babylon will have a short lived victory. The glory of the LORD will be known to all one day, even if Habakkuk doesn’t want to wait for this result.
By the end of the book we see that though Habakkuk is ready to trust in God’s plan though he knows there will be heartache and pain. He chooses to find joy in the God of his salvation, whose plan won’t be derailed just because another nation tries to wipe them out. God’s plan can’t be stopped with war or exile. He will keep a remnant of Judah because he still has a covenant to fulfill—a messiah who will change the hearts of man.
A good lesson for us today is to do as Habakkuk and decide to trust in God’s plan. We must never lose sight of the fact that God is working, sees the whole picture, and knows what will come together for our good. Our hope is in him, not our circumstances. Trust in the Lord and allow him to make your feet like the deer’s so that you may sure footed in whatever heights or valleys you travel.
Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of your prophet Habakkuk. Help me to be like him when I don’t understand why I am experiencing hardship and put my trust in you. You are my strength and my salvation. I rejoice that you are with me wherever I go. Help me to wait on your timing. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
