Habakkuk 1

Scripture Reading:  Read Habakkuk Chapter 1. 

He Cares Enough to Listen:

Habakkuk 1:3 – “Why do you make me look at injustice?  Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?  Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.”  (NIV) 

One of the things that is both fun and interesting with young children is the questions they ask.  When my kids were young, there was no shortage of questions in our household, and there wasn’t any hesitation in asking questions.  Later in life, we begin to hesitate with our questions, but children usually lack that filter.   

Habakkuk is bearing his heart before the Lord and asking a very honest question.  He doesn’t understand why evil, destruction, and violence are seemingly permitted by God without punishment.  This prophet will continue asking honest, to-the-point questions. 

What strikes me the most about his question and, consequently, God’s answer is the relationship between God and this prophet, Habakkuk.   

Habakkuk’s relationship with God illustrates several lessons: First, we see the fantastic truth that people can be in a relationship with the creator of the universe.  Another powerful and encouraging truth for us is to know that we can bring our concerns to God, even our complaints.  Of course, those complaints should come from a heart of faith, as they did from Habakkuk, but what a wonderful reminder that we can have a genuine dialogue with a God who cares enough to listen and answer.   

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, for the amazing truth that you listen to our prayers and answer. Help me not hesitate to bring my concerns to you; help me to do so with a heart of faith and trust.