Saturday 5th August
Read Habakkuk 3:16-18
“I heard and my heart pounded,
my lips quivered at the sound;
decay crept into my bones,
and my legs trembled.
Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity
to come on the nation invading us.
17 Though the fig-tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the sheepfold
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.” (NIVUK)
One can only read the psalm of Habakkuk 3 and wonder which part of it is ‘good news’. After complaining that God was not listening (Ch 1), and hearing God’s answer that patient faith in Him is needed (Ch 2), Habakkuk ‘hears’ at the end of this psalm and is physically ill and terrified (v16). It is not ‘good news’ in his lifetime. There will be suffering and deprivation. God’s salvation will not be quick.
How can Habakkuk be joyful in the face of such immense suffering? Should such fear and trembling be associated with the good news of salvation? Habakkuk encourages us to align our will with God’s will, whatever it costs. I am drawn to Paul’s words to the Philippian church as he encourages them in the face of suffering and persecution even as he himself is about to be executed.
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose… 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:12-13, 17-18) (NIV)
Habakkuk reminds us that even when things are not going well, and we begin to question God’s goodness towards us, it is at that point that we must have faith. Even if we are afraid. Especially when we are afraid. It is hard work but there is ultimately joy to be found there. It is always good to have the Lord by your side, and on your side, even amidst darkness.
