Habakkuk 1 & 2 - Nagging Questions and Doubts

Habakkuk 1 – Nagging Questions and Doubts.

 

Nagging and questions and doubts, everyone has them, even believers. We often feel guilty for doubting, so we repress our doubts. The prophet Habakkuk didn’t silence his questions and doubts. Instead, he courageously brought them to God. Habakkuk began by asking God why He allowed evil to flourish, a question that has puzzled people for centuries. Habakkuk humbly asked God, and God answered. When we have questions and doubts, we should bring them to God, and He will answer. We must be willing to accept the answer He gives. The one question children ask as soon as they understand the word “no” is why? They want to know the explanation for why they cannot do or have something. As we get older, the question continues to nag us as we encounter “why” questions at every turn. When we see evil, pain, and suffering in the world and, especially, in our lives we ask why?

Habakkuk preached trust during a time of great trouble and distress. The nation Judah was facing impending invasion from the Babylonians, who had taken Nineveh, the great capital of Assyria. Judah’s days were numbered, for God would use the wicked Babylonians to conquer His people and punish their sins. Habakkuk asked God “why do you look on those who deal treacherously, and hold your tongue when the wicked devours a person more righteous than he? He asked this on behalf of their nation, then he awaited God’s answer.

 

Habakkuk 2 – God answered His Prayer

Habakkuk said, “I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart and watch to see what He will say to me.” God answered His questioning prophet, explaining that while He would use Babylon to punish Judah, the Babylonians wouldn’t even know that they were pawns in His hands. Babylon’s pride and power would eventually be its downfall. God told Habakkuk to be patient and in the end, He would make everything right. Habakkuk was afraid when God’s answer came. Wicked people fear God because He will punish them for their rebellious ways. For God’s people, those who appealed to the Lord for mercy, this fear is solemn reverence, or awe of God. It is a healthy respect of God’s perfect ways and His power. God still speaks, still reveals Himself to His people, still does miracles. Our response should always be reverence and awe that the all-powerful God works in our lives. God’s people must trust Him completely, even in the face of tragic events.

 

 Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J.Vernon McGee Thru the Bible. Nelson’s Quick Reference. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.