Habakkuk began his book by asking: How long, Lord, must I call for help and you do not listen? (1:2–3) God replied that he would send the Babylonians to judge Judah (1:6). Habakkuk then responded: Lord, you appointed them to execute judgment; So why do you tolerate those who are treacherous? (1:12-13) I will watch to see what he will say to me and what I should reply about my complaint. (2:1) God answered again with a series of woes (2:6–19) against the evil conquerers. The book then concludes with Habakkuk's prayer of faith, recounting God's power to save his people (3:13).
Faith
Habakkuk 3:1–15: The Prophet’s Prayer
something about it. But then he struggled with God's answer—evil Babylon will discipline Judah—so he asked and waited for further clarification. After receiving God's reassurance that the Babylonians too would reap what they sowed, Habakkuk once again turned to God in prayer.
Habakkuk 1:12–17: My God My Holy One
The prophet Habakkuk lamented the evil ways of his people and asked God what he was going to do about their sin and injustice. God answered by disclosing his plans to send the even more evil Babylonians to judge them. I find it amazing (and comforting) that Habakkuk's first response is an affirmation of trust and acceptance of God's confounding ways.
Habakkuk 1: 1–11: How Long Must I Call for Help?
I'm starting a new study on the book of Habakkuk. The prophet Habakkuk lived in the southern kingdom of Judah during the reign of wicked kings who broke their covenant with Yahweh, followed after other gods, and committed violence against their fellow citizens. Habakkuk received a prophecy and cried out to God.
Psalm 37 (Part 4): Delight in Abundant Peace
In part one of my meditation on Psalm 37, King David told me to not fret about those who do evil because they will perish. In part two, he told me to instead trust in the Lord and do good. Part three reminded me that God does in fact care for the righteous and brings justice. Now to my fourth and final meditation on this rich psalm. David delineates what I can look forward to when I live as the righteous person he has declared me to be, and trust in him as the God who cares for me.
Psalm 37 (Part 3): God Cares and Vindicates
In Psalm 37, King David instructs me to not fret when evil people seem to succeed for they will vanish like the wind. Instead of getting all worked up, he tells me to trust in the Lord and do good. But I can't do this all by myself. I need to know the One in whom I place my confident assurance. I need to know what he is doing about evildoers. David assures me, God is actively involved and he is for me.
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Psalm 37 (Part 2): Trust in the Lord and Do Good
In part one of my study of Psalm 37, King David tells me not to fret, get worked up, or envious when evil people seem to succeed because they will certainly perish. Rather than fret, explode in anger, and do something evil, David tells me what I can and should do instead—trust in the Lord and do good.
