Habakkuk was a contemporary of Jeremiah. He began his prophetic ministry by asking God a question. He was confused by the evil he witnessed. We often get disturbed when we see the good people struggle in life. People who trust in the Lord meet calamities in life. But the prophet was taught several lessons which of course will help us also..

1. We need to admit to ourselves that we are confused. Sometimes we try to flee from reality and avoid acknowledging our weaknesses. Greater sins can be easily avoided if only we realize and acknowledge our weaknesses.

2. Next, we need to take our problem to God. That’s what Habakkuk did (Hab.1:1-4) Instead of running to human beings seeking comfort and clarification, we need to steady ourselves and pour out our questions to God.

3. God’s answer was not a palatable one. Yes. Often the answers for our questions will not be pleasant. The Babylonians were used to prune the Israelites.

4. When the prophet understood that, things planned by God were happening , his perspective changed. If we believe that God is in control of all that happens in our life, we need to trust in Him and hope for deliverance which will come in His time. Trust in Him makes it easier to bear the problem. Facing problems with God is lot easier than facing them without Him.

5. Next, the prophet recalled what God had done for them in the past. Bonds are stronger when memories linger . Recollections of the past, help in keeping relationships vibrant and active. God who was good in the past would continue to be good.

6. Recollection of God’s interventions in the past , generates hope for present and future. So the prophet declares that whatever happens , he will trust in the Lord. Tempests may rage around, stormy and scary winds may howl but like Habakkuk if we also place our trust in God and learn to be still, we will walk past all the horrid factors with great ease.

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 is 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 Saviour     Hab.3:17-18

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh