Habakkuk's Trembling Served A Purpose
Habakkuk 3:16 says, “When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.”
Habakkuk prophesied during the reign of king Jehoiakim, who “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Ki 23:37). Because of the ongoing idolatry, corruption, injustice and unrepentant sin of Judah, God will judge His people by raising “up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation” (Hab 1:6), to capture and enslave them (2 Chr 36:6). Upon hearing this, Habakkuk’s “belly trembled,” and his “lips quivered.” This shows his deep physical reaction to the severity of the situation (Ps 34:18). It is like hearing a tragic news such as; a death of a loved one, a poor prognosis of a medical condition, loss of a job, or uncertainty of the future!
We may find ourselves gripped with fear and anxiety (Ps 142:4). The phrase “rottenness entered into my bones” tells us about the intense impact of Habakkuk’s fear that has become more evident. Yet, his trembling serves a purpose; he realized his need to “rest in the day of trouble.” Fear can settle deep within us (Prov 29:25), which often leads to hopelessness and discouragement (Ps 94:16). But if we “trust in the Lord” (Prov 3:5), He promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5). Because “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim 1:7).
“God is love” (1 Jn 4:8). And if you are a child of God by trusting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour by faith (Rom 10:9), then “there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 Jn 4:18)! Sometimes we also need to tremble in acknowledging our circumstances, just like Habakkuk. However, it should never lead us to despair (Isa 41:10), but to draw us closer to the Lord (Mt 11:28), Who promises peace in His presence! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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