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Habakkuk was Pleased by God

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Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. [Habakkuk 3:17-19]

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After the King Solomon’s reign, Israel was divided to two countries.

The north became a country called Israel and the south became

a country called Judah.

But the two countries worshiped idols and did things that displeased God.

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North Israel, who was arrogant and didn’t serve God,

became totally destructed by a country called Assyria.

God is God of Love, but He gives punishments when we sin

because he is also a God of Justice.

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Judah’s king and people, from the south, didn’t live righteously

before God either and even saw northern Israel getting destroyed

because of their sins.

They had also sinned.

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Many prophets warned them.

But they did not listen to prophets’ words.

The rich ignored the poor and the strong agonized the weak.

They were even taking the poor’s possessions.

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Upon looking at Judah’s state, a prophet named Habakkuk prayed to God.

“Lord, there are a lot of bad people but why are you not judging them

and leaving them alone? You must punish them.”

Habakkuk blamed God for not doing anything about the scoundrel people.

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God spoke after hearing Habakkuk’s prayer.

“I am waiting and being patient, but when the time comes I will use

the country named Babylon to punish this country, Judah, for their sins.

Babylon is a very formidable country.

They will go and take all the things that Judah possesses.”

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Habakkuk got surprised by hearing what God had said.

“Lord, Babylon is dishonorable country that is known for being violent and horrible, but why do you try to punish Judah so heavily by that country? Lord, Babylon is a country where they should also be punished but why are you letting them to punish Israel? Please explain to me the reason.”

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Habakkuk waited for God’s voice and went to a high place to wait.

How would God respond to Habakkuk’s prayer?

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The voice of God has been heard.

“Habakkuk, from now on you should record all the things

I say so that anyone can see. These things I say to you,

when it’s time, you will see it being fulfilled.”

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God wanted to tell Habakkuk about the things that will be done in the future.

“I know all the horrible things that Babylon is doing. I am surely going to give punishment for the sins they have committed. Just for now, I judge those countries that sin through Babylon, but at last, Babylon will also be destroyed for doing horrible things. And Judah will win because they are my people.”

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God’s words continued.

“Evil ones will be judged but even in this evil world, those people

who keep faith and believe in me, I will never forget and in any land,

I will raise them high for them not to be reproach.

I will protect them until the end in any situations.”

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Habakkuk rejoiced because of hearing God’s voice. And he was impressed.
“Thanks God. I hope that the evil ones will be destroyed quickly. Give us your mercy and grace.”

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“Lord! I realize that you hate the evil ones and you rejoice the righteous ones. For now, it seems like the evil ones are winning and breaking down God’s people, but I realized that, at last you break them down and protect God’s people.”

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“Now I confess. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, I won’t worry even those problems arise. If only God will be my side, even I have nothing, I will not worry and I will believe you and thank you.”

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“Lord, I will forever praise only you. You are my strength The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to go on the heights.”

Prophet Habakkuk offered a prayer overflowing with thanksgiving.

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I hope for every friend worshiping today, that you will be able to give thanksgiving and praise like the prophet Habakkuk. No matter how difficult and tough situations may seem, believe in God who raises the people high and guides them until the end, the people who truly believe God and I hope you will become friends who live faithfully according to God’s words.