Wednesday 21st November

Habakkuk 3:16-19

“I know that my Redeemer lives and ever prays for me” Charles Wesley

In the final account of Habakkuk’s prayer found in today’s passage, we read of a Holy response to tribulation and a depth of understanding of God’s Gracious character.

In verse 16 Habakkuk exclaims that upon hearing about God’s salvation to the Israelites at the Red Sea, his body trembled. He not only knew the awesomeness of His God but He also knew that although Judah was under captivity, God promised that it would only be for a time. The day of judgement for Judah’s enemies would soon be at hand and Habakkuk could but tremble and shake at the thought of Gods imminent wrath. However in the midst of this knowledge, somehow he found a peace and contentment that God was his Salvation and Saviour.

What is our response when we go through hard times that seem unending? Is it to blame God or to trust that He will not only sustain and deliver us form tribulation, but help us find rest and peace in the middle of the tornado all around us?

Habakkuk knew full well that the persecution his people were going through was self-inflicted because of their rebellion and pagan worship. All around him was like a battleground; fields stripped of their crops, livestock sparse, fruitless tress and plants. All this was deserved but throughout the hardship Habakkuk comforted himself knowing that his ancestors had gone through the same thing. Through their rebellion, they were in captivity with the Egyptians for 400 years. Yet God in His mercy saved them and brought them into His presence once again.

Verses 17 summarises the devastation all around Habakkuk however in verse 18, Habakkuk comes to the awe-inspiring conclusion, ‘YET I will rejoice in the Lord!!’ Not only does he deduce God as his strength and salvation but that throughout hard times God would set his feet on firm ground when all around him, his world was shaken. Praise God. This is the kind of response we should have in hard times!!

This reminds me of song written by Charles Wesley drawing on the 19th chapter of Job. Job is having an almost exact same discussion with his friends and with God, of destruction and judgement that he feels has come his way, yet he also comes a profound conclusion. Even still “I know that my Redeemer lives.” In the last verses of chapter 1, Job also grasps that God not only gives and takes away but of HIS need to praise Him throughout it all.

What comfort can we take from this in our day?? Well we might not have everything stripped away from us as Judah did because of her rebellion but the Bible says that our sinfulness separates us from Gods presence. The good news according to Hebrews 7:25 is that we have a High Priest, Jesus, who ever lives to make intercession on our behalf. If we would just put our hope and trust in Him then we too can have a restored relationship with Him and have our feet set on firm ground.

Habakkuk 3:18 “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my Salvation”