In the midst of suffering it’s easy to turn to all the wrong people, places, things, and ideas for answers. Oftentimes, in our desperation we cling to whatever sounds most satisfying or significant in the moment, or what makes us feel most secure. The problem, however, is that people can give damaging advice, places fail to provide lasting refuge, things only momentarily distract us, and ideas fail to ultimately suffice. Therefore, we need to know where to turn when facing difficulties. The final chapter of Habakkuk is a good place to start. It reminds us of the importance of prayer and praise, even when life looks grim.
Report
Habakkuk’s questions concerning God’s ways, recorded in the first two chapters of the book, give way to prayer and praise. He had “heard the report” of the Lord and trusts His “work” (Hab. 3:2). Though Judah would go into exile at the hand of the Babylonians, in the end Babylon would be judged. Furthermore, at the last day all those under the wrath and curse of God will be judged. Only those who find their refuge in Christ will be saved.
Like Habakkuk, we have heard of God’s work through the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, we can trust He will accomplish His purposes in His time. If you are wrestling with God today, and have not yet submitted to His ways, ask Him to help you trust His plans and purposes, even if you don’t understand them.
Reign
In the next part of his prayer Habakkuk celebrates God’s splendor, power, and presence (Hab. 3:3-5). In addition, he recognizes God’s reign over all nations (vv. 6-7). All of creation, including “the eternal mountains” and “the everlasting hills” bow before His “everlasting ways” (v. 6). Like Habakkuk, our peace in the midst of suffering is found in God’s power and presence. Though the valley is dark and deep, He is near us. Though we are weak, He is powerful. Today you may be overwhelmed with your suffering. Think upon God’s wrath and mercy, splendor and praise, brightness and power, sovereignty and everlastingness. The Holy One who is able to measure the earth, is also caring for you.
Wrath
In the middle of his prayer Habakkuk asks the Lord a question, “Was your anger against the rivers…when you rode…on your chariot of salvation?” (Hab. 3:8). This recalls times God delivered His people in the past, both at the Red Sea and at the Jordan River. But his question also anticipates a future time when God will pour out His wrath on the sea and the rivers (Rev. 16:3-4). Most significant, however, is the phrase “of salvation” (Hab. 3:8). Habakkuk had come to realize that even through exile God would accomplish His work of salvation in the world. Habakkuk’s question is answered a few verses later. God’s wrath was not against the rivers, but the nations. The King of the nations “marched through the earth in fury” (v. 12). Far from reckless rage, the Lord’s righteous anger accomplished the salvation of His people and His “anointed” (v. 13). Ultimately, His anointed is the Lord Jesus Christ, who has accomplished redemption for God’s people. Since “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), we will only escape the wrath of God through the Son of God. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (6:23).
Rejoice
In light of who God is and the work He has already accomplished, Habakkuk responds with a resolution to “quietly wait” for God’s judgment upon the enemy (Hab. 3:16). This, in fact, was what God had told him to do, “wait for it” (2:3). But Habakkuk also praised the Lord. Praise is the very heart of prayer. Therefore, it is fitting that Habakkuk ends his prayer with rejoicing in the Lord. Significantly, he praises the Lord while things still look very grim. His prayers for deliverance have not yet been answered. He has not yet seen the destruction of the enemy. Furthermore, during exile there would be no blossoms on the fig tree, no fruit on the vines, no food from the fields, and no herd in the stalls. Even so, Habakkuk declares, “I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (3: 18). What’s the secret? How can we praise God before faith is made sight? Habakkuk provides the key: “GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places” (v. 19). Our hope is not in our circumstances changing, but in our great God, who is our joy and strength in the midst of them.
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Perhaps today, in the midst of confusion and questions over your circumstances, you’re tempted to turn to the wrong people, places, things and ideas for solutions. Don’t. Turn to God in prayer and praise instead. You will find help and mercy before the throne of grace. The Lord is working to accomplish His plans and purposes in your life. He is reigning over all things, including your circumstances. And He is your strength and your joy, even when life is difficult.
Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, wife, homeschooling mom, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA). To learn more, please visit www.sarahivill.com.