Sunday 6th August
Read Habakkuk 3:19
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.” (NIVUK)
After all the anguish, after all the silence, after an answer that provides no respite from the coming disaster it is truly stunning that Habakkuk finishes with this acclamation. Those who meditate on the psalms will have recognised these sentiments from the greatest king in Israel’s history…
“…As for God, his way is perfect:
the Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make your saving help my shield,
and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way… (Psalm 18:30-36) (NIVUK)
Habakkuk knows this psalm well. If you have time today read Psalm 18 and see just how similar it is to Habakkuk 3. But where Psalm 18 is a psalm of victory and triumph and salvation from disaster, Habakkuk 3 is nothing of the sort. Yet Habakkuk finishes with these words. There is no king in Judah like David, there is only corruption and injustice and an onrushing punishment. All that is left is a suffering prophet to point God’s people back to faith in God. Even then, even amidst the bad times coming, God is in control and will secure the feet of those who trust Him.
