"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."

Habakkuk 3:2

‘Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Jesus.’

Our turbulent world just seems to grow muddier, and warnings of a food crisis ring out louder. Fears rise easily, while hope feels elusive, joy seems distant, and praise, quite frankly, is a struggle.

Although Habakkuk’s troubles remain unresolved, his time on the ramparts has changed his perspective. Quiet time remembering the Lord who reigns ‘in his holy temple’ probably recalled past wonders, prompting a plea for a repeat performance (v. 2) and a loud shout out in praise of God’s character (vv. 3, 4) and his powerful acts of deliverance (vv. 5–15). They are, although praises, wrung from the prophet like a groan while he is still weighed down by rampant injustice and the frightening possibility of foreign invasion.

Habakkuk’s praises don’t revolve around fig trees, vines, olives, flocks, or cattle (v. 17). His unwavering focus is the Giver: 'The Sovereign Lord is my strength' (19). Although these blessings may be withheld, the prophet remains committed to two things: he ‘will wait patiently’ (v. 16) for God to bring justice and he ‘will be joyful in God’ (v. 18). Like faithful sentinels, patient hope and joyful faith stand guard over the terrifying uncertainties of the present (v. 17). Singing by faith – rather than sight – Habakkuk finds in God the strength to keep walking by faith. He receives the feet of a deer for high places (v. 19)!

CLOSING PRAYER

Loving Heavenly Father, on this last day of 2024, thank you for your loving faithfulness that was mine each day. I commit the coming year—and myself—into your strong and safe, reliable hands.

(edited from Encounter with God)