The prophet Habakkuk voiced his concern to God decades ago. No doubt, some of you are expressing the same matter of concern and asking the big question:
“How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! Violence is everywhere! I cry, you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.” (Habakkuk 1:2-4)
You are probably outraged like me about the blatant acts of evil we are seeing. Far too many individuals have experienced and continue experiencing the injustice, divisiveness, and violence in our community, neighborhood, government, and in the streets across our nation.
Unfortunately, the wickedness of the past repeats itself today and will tomorrow as long as the sin dominates man's life. It is a heart problem--man's heart is desperately wicked! (Jeremiah 17:9). Truth is we are living in the terrible times that Apostle Paul told Timothy would come (2 Timothy 3:1-4). Also read 2 Peter 3:1-3.
Habakkuk expressed his concern about all the evil deeds--violence, lawlessness, injustice, strife and division that God showed him. We see what Habakkuk saw in this generation. No doubt, we have expressed our matter of concern just as he did. In all honesty, we have probably complained and expressed indignation at the evil deeds we see.
Although we read Habakkuk's matter of concern, but we do not have an explanation as to why God allows evil. However, Habakkuk did affirm for us that God has not lost control! This is the one TRUTH that we as Christians must believe no matter how much evil we see.
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14)
Evil is moving toward its inevitable end of self-destruction. Not as soon as we would like, but God’s glory will fill the earth. Habakkuk offers no proof of this, merely the record of God’s communication to him. It is that recorded dialogue between Habakkuk and the sovereign Lord that should keep us anchored. Although we cannot answer the big concern precisely based on what we see, we can follow the instructions God gave Habakkuk. What did God answer? What should we do?
Stay alert and keep watching the nations. God is going to blow our mind with the unbelievable that is going to happen.
Stand on our watch; stay in the right posture and in position to hear, perceive, and receive what God will say. (Pray without ceasing).
Write down (record) what He reveals and say. Make it clear, legible, and precise so others who read it will understand. Relay, proclaim, and publish what He reveals.
Be patient and trust God. His words will happen; they are true. The fulfillment is for a set time; wait for it.
Live by faith as the righteous (Habakkuk 2:4). Repeated in Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:38, Galatians 3:11.
How does this dialogue speak to us? It speaks because what God said He was going to do He did. It reminds us that we can trust God’s faithfulness. As believers we find hope and joy through faith in God regardless of circumstances. We cannot answer the big matter of concern either; therefore, we must wait in faith, live by faith, and trust the Sovereign Lord who is in control.
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