Where are You, God?
As humans we often ask “why, why not, when, how, what did you mean by that?” Those questions easily come to mind in times of doubt, concern, frustration and even worry. Christians aren’t immune to the questions. The prophet Habakkuk recorded his discussions with God. Habakkuk expressed not only his personal concerns but he questioned God about societal issues as well. Habakkuk wanted and expected answers, just as we all do when we talk to God. Sometimes God answers questions promptly and directly. But other times He answers in ways that help us find the answer for ourselves and allows us to grow from the experiences.
Waiting on God
In these uncertain times, all of us have been forced to wait. We have had to reschedule or postpone many things we fill up our lives with. Many of us, perhaps even before this crisis started, have been waiting for answers from God. In Habakkuk 2:3, God says, “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.” When we experience a delay to our dreams and plans, we may start asking God, “When, Lord? When will you answer our prayers?” We also may ask, “What can we do during this waiting?” It is a perfect opportunity for us to learn to trust God and have faith. We can understand His timing is perfect. Waiting does not mean God is denying us. We must learn the difference between “no” and “not yet.” So, as we wait, let us take this opportunity to learn how amazing God is and do what it says in Habakkuk 2:20, “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”
Embracing God in the Valley
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:18) As human beings, we tend to turn to God when we’re at our lowest point, when everything in our lives seems hopeless. Habakkuk learned to rejoice in the Lord during these low and desperate times. He chose to remember happier times, embrace God and relish in His goodness. Craig Groeschel writes, “We enjoy God on the mountaintops and we get to know Him in the valleys.” Don’t we all want to get to know God better?