The conversation begins with Habakkuk’s question or complaint:
“O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?” (V2)
This is a very natural reaction for humans to have when bad things happen around them. We do this all the time; when we hear the news, or when difficult things happen in our own lives. We pray and ask God to change situations and when they don’t change in the way we want them to, we think God is not listening.
Read God’s response to Habakkuk:
“Look among the nations, and see;
wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe if told.” (V5)
Here God shifts Habakkuk’s gaze, away from the horrors he sees to the work that God is currently doing. The Lord’s response shows He cares deeply for Habakkuk’s cries and more importantly that he is aware of what happens, both in the world and in our individual lives. In fact, He sees not only the present of those situations, but the future of them as well. The work He is doing is so incredible that “you would not believe it if told.”
Are there any situations in your life or the world that you are crying out for God to help? Keep bringing those things to the Lord; He wants to hear what’s on your heart. However, don’t stop there in your prayer life. Make a list of things the Lord has done and is doing in your life and praise Him for those things. Let those be your focus, not your worries.
Dig Deeper
Take some time today to read all of Habakkuk and see the rest of the conversation unfold. The Lord explains to Habakkuk what is to come and how the world will be brought into justice for His glory. Habakkuk’s response at the end is a good model for us. He rejoices in the Lord regardless of his circumstance.