Habakkuk's Prayer Of Faith

Habakkuk likely prophesied during the reign of Jehoiakim, the king of Judah, who “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God” (2 Chr 36:5). Habakkuk’s prophecy was directed to a nation who are on the edge of disaster. Although the Northern kingdom of Israel had already been destroyed by the Assyrians (2 Ki 17:5), God’s people remained in the Southern kingdom of Judah. Babylon had just defeated Egypt and was about to attack them (Jer 25:9). Habakkuk knew that Judah was in a state of wickedness and corruption (Hab 1:4).

He knew that God is “just and right” (Deut 32:4), and could not ignore such rebellion! But he was also struggling with the fact that God would allow the godless Babylonians to conquer them (Hab 1:6), as part of the chastisement to His people (Deut 8:5). He was wondering why God would allow them to invade their land, after He had already given it to His people (v. 13). Habakkuk’s prayer of faith stands to remind all of God’s children that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is always hope. Because we serve “the God of hope” (Rom 15:13)! Habakkuk was aware of God’s wrath (Nah 1:2). Therefore, he pleaded for Him to “remember mercy,” by directing all his frustrations through prayers.

At the end, he realizes that God knows exactly what He was doing (v. 16). Instead of worrying and pouting, he chose to “rejoice in the Lord” (v. 18), and looked forward to His deliverance (v. 19)! You may be facing a very difficult situation right now. If you have trusted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour by faith (Jn 1:12), then you can always rejoice in the Lord (Php 4:4), regardless of your circumstances. We may not fully understand what He is doing (Isa 55:8). But we can always trust and believe in Him (Prov 3:5), during unbelievable times! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera