O Lord, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save.
Habakkuk 1:2 NKJV
How often times we cry out just like the prophet Habakkuk. Even people who do not have a theistic mindset would call out the great injustices that is rampantly happening in the world. A thorough observation on the news media and personal experiences would suggest that this world instead of evolving is perhaps de-evolving or degenerating.
The same was the call of the prophets in their generation. They were calling out the people of the injustice that was happening around in spite of all their religiosity. All throughout the old testament this was one of the themes and messages of this important group of people who were called men of God.
The prophet Habakkuk had a different focus on his book though as it was addressed mainly to God rather than the people. He was raising his concern not to the people of God, but to God Himself. As we study God's interaction with this prophet may we also see the great significance and implication it shares to us today.
I. God is bigger than our burdens v2-4
“Look among the nations and watch— Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you.
Habakkuk 1:5 NKJV
You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he?
Habakkuk 1:13 NKJV
We can honestly pour out our heart to God. He will not strike you down with a lightning bolt or melt you with His Holy fire for expressing what you actually feel at that specific circumstance in life. There are many times the characters of the Bible expressed their frustrations to God.
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”
Genesis 15:1-3 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.15.1-3.NKJV
After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.
Job 3:1 NKJV
Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
Job 31:35 KJV
II. God has better plans in spite of the circumstances 2:3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.
Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV
Do we have the faith to wait? Abraham had to wait 25 years for a promise to be fulfilled. Israel had to wait 70 years to be back from exile. The Messiah came after 400 years of silence. It has been more than 2000 years after the promise of His return. Are we willing to wait for the promise that in spite of the pain and injustice that is happening around the world, God has a wonderful plan for His people.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 KJV
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
Revelation 21:4-5 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/rev.21.4-5.NKJV
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 KJV