Habakkuk was a priest who ministered shortly before the Babylonian siege and capture of Jerusalem. In spite of his faithful priestly ministry and prayers of intercession, the Jewish people remained in a backslidden state, and the threat of Babylonian invasion grew more ominous every day. Habakkuk expressed his sorrow for the iniquity of the people, frustration over God not responding to his prayers in the timing and manner he expected, and his resolve to faithfully go about his duties as priest.
With this backdrop, consider Habakkuk’s words.
“I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the tower; and I will keep watch to see what God will say to me, and what answer I will give [as His spokesman] when I am reproved.” (2:1).
“Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive fails and the fields produce no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord GOD is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet & makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]. (3:17-19)
It takes dedication and trust in God to continue in your spiritual disciplines in the season of question and doubt.
Let’s sing: “We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord…”