It never ceases to amaze me how relevant the Bible is—far from being the stale, outdated antique as some people regard it. It also never fails to amaze me that when I do what I need to, which is to open it up it as I would the morning newsfeed, the application to what’s going on in the world is remarkable.
This morning, I landed in Habakkuk. (I know. Not a typical book to be absorbed in with the morning coffee.) Nevertheless, I discovered there a description that could have come straight from USA Today. I heard the cry of my own heart in Habakkuk’s words:
“How long, oh Lord, must I cry for help? But you do not listen! ‘Violence,' I cry but you do not come to save. Must I forever see this sin and misery all around me? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed and useless, and there is no justice given in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, and justice is perverted with bribes and trickery.” (Habakkuk !:2-4)
Always looking for good news, I went on to read…
“The Lord replied, ‘Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe, even if someone told you about it…’ (verse 5).
Okay, so that sounds exciting. Then it goes on to predict the invasion of a hostile, cruel nation (Babylonians) whom God uses to punish to punish His people. Uh-oh. My heart cries out with the same complaint as Habakkuk (who would have ever thought we’d have so much in common?):
“Oh Lord my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal—is your plan in all of this to wipe us out? Surely not!…Will you let them get away with this forever? Will they succeed forever in their heartless conquest?” (verses 12, 17).
Many thoughts come to me at this point. Is God doing the same thing again? Is He planning to use a heavy hand to bring us to our knees? But more relevant than anything else, where am I on the timeline? What implications does this have for ME and MY family, MY children, MY grandchildren?
Here’s where I have my struggle, and here’s where I have to get into God’s “bosom” and find reassurance in His presence. Keeping abreast with the news only leads to fear and intimidation. I know Habakkuk talks about the fig tree not blossoming and the cow not having any hay and the land being desolate and yet he’s all joyful about it, but where am I in all this? I’m not feeling it right now.
I’m challenged at this point to look for His promises and His reassurance of His provision, protection, and deliverance.
Habakkuk prayed, “I have heard all about you, Lord, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of deep need, begin to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. And in your anger, remember your mercy.” (chapter 3, verse 2).
So I’m really tracking with Habakkuk here. Then I’m reminded that I not only have “heard all about” God and His power, but I actually have His Spirit living inside me! It’s the spirit of Jesus Himself! When I’m reminded that Jesus died, came back to life, and imparted His very own Spirit to inhabit His followers, a boldness and confidence rises up inside me. The psalmist sums up my feelings so perfectly when I allow His Holy Spirit to be my Helper. When I get overwhelmed by circumstances I can’t control and bogged down with concerns I can’t manage, I approach God in the attitude of a little child and peace comes.
“I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself just a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.” (Psalm 131:1-2).