Background

Habakkuk was a contemporary of Jeremiah and a man of strong faith. He lived in Judah near the end of Josiah’s reign (640-609 BC) or at the beginning of Jehoaikim’s reign (609-598 BC) before the Babylonian invasion. He probably lived to see the fulfilment of his prophecy when Jerusalem was attacked by the Babylonians in 597 BC. This book is unique in that is contains no oracle or message to the nation of Israel. Instead, it is a dialogue between the prophet and God that then becomes a public encouragement to godly people.

Overview

Habakkuk is struggling to deal with unanswered prayer and prolonged suffering. Violence and injustice are all around, yet it seems that God is doing nothing about it. The righteous are being persecuted without vengeance from God. God does not seem to be listening or reaching out to save the innocent. He appears to tolerate wrong. Justice doesn’t prevail. He argues with God over his ways that appear unfathomable to him, if not unjust (1:1-4).

God answers and share his perspective. He is going to use the Babylonians to bring about his judgement in the earth. This is all a part of his eternal plan. God is sovereign over all and will bring to judgement every deed. What is happening in the nations is not by accident or chance. He rules in the affairs of the world. See God at work in all that is happening (1:5-11).

Again, Habakkuk complains about the contradictions of life, especially where the wicked triumph over the righteous without mercy. He’s not happy that God is going to use the wicked Babylonians to punish his own people. He then stands and stations himself in a position where he can see what God will say to him and what answer he will get for his complaint (1:12-2:1).

Habakkuk 2:1. I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.  NIV

God’s responds and tells him to write down the revelation or vision. Record it so it is clear, it can be passed on and followed through without being forgotten. Make it plain or clear so that someone can run with it. The revelation is for an appointed time. It is true and speaks of the end. Though it lingers, wait for it. It will happen and will not delay. Once God says something, it will come to pass in his timing. Believe it and patiently wait for it to happen. The righteous live by faith. God makes it clear, however, that eventually the corrupt destroyer will itself be destroyed (2:2-20).

Habakkuk 2:2-3. Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. NIV

In the end, Habakkuk learns to rest in God’s appointments and await his working in a spirit of worship. He responds with a strong confession of faith (3:1-19). He includes petition (vs.2) but also much recollection (vs.3-15) and an expression of trust and confidence in God (vs.16-19).

Habakkuk 3:17-19. 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 Saviour. 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. NIV

Lessons from Habakkuk

1.         Learn to complain appropriately (Hab.1).

It’s okay to complain and let God know your feelings, doubts and frustrations. Express your feelings and thoughts to God honestly and openly.

Negative emotions should not be pushed beneath the surface but need to be brought out, talked through and resolved. Otherwise, they will become very destructive in our lives and eventually the lives of others (Eph.3:26-32).

            2.         Lift your eyes from your personal situation and try to see what God is doing (Hab.1).

God has a much bigger eternal and global perspective from which he is working. He is sovereign. He is in control and is working all things together according to his plan and for our ultimate good (Rom.8:28).

a.                   Come to God with your need (prayer).

b.                   Wait on God for his heart (stillness).

c.                   Receive God’s vision for your life (vision). God answers our call and hears our cry. He will give us his perspective if we ask him.

d.                   Write it down so it is crystal clear (plan).

e.                   Run with it (action).

f.                     Believe that it will happen (faith).

g.                   Don’t give up or lose heart when things are delayed (perseverance). God will do what he said.

4.         Make a choice to rejoice in God no matter what the circumstances are (Hab.3:17-18).

Our joy is not to be based on what is happening around us but on our relationship with God and our faith in him (Phil.4:4).

5.         God is your strength, the one who enables you to go on the heights (Hab.3:19). He will give you sure-footed confidence.

Look to God as your source and the one who is able to give you supernatural strength and ability to meet the challenges of your daily life. You can be an overcomer. You can conquer that mountain, defeat that giant and rise above every form of adversity. How? Through God who strengthens you – makes you equal to the task (Phil.4:13).