He is Working for Good: Lessons from Habakkuk
Our world, our students, are currently facing some very uncertain times. We all go through times of victories and valleys, but it is rare that we face huge valleys together. In times of victory, worshipping God often comes easy - when we see His goodness.
But, what about during the valleys? During those times where it is hard to worship? A loved one passes away, schools close, a split happens in the church, a worldwide pandemic hits, or a rocky presidential election happens. Through the valleys, it can be extremely difficult to trust that God is working for good.
We must press into the heart of the Father when we are in the deepest valley. We must encourage our students to do the same.
Looking into Scripture, we can see how Habakkuk did just that. Economic and spiritual despair overwhelmed the nation of Judah. The people felt hopeless. Habakkuk felt hopeless. How would they get out of these dark valley? Consider the heart of Habakkuk….he knew that the disparity in Judah was about to take a turn for the worse. What was his response?
I think we can learn a few lessons from the valley that Habakkuk experienced. We can learn to draw near to God - trusting that He is working for good.
Background Info
Genre: Minor Prophet
Characters: Conversation between the Lord and his prophet, Habakkuk. Habakkuk wrestles with the goodness of God.
Setting: Destruction amongst the nation of Judah.
Main Questions: “God, are you still good?” “Are you sovereign over this?”
The Beginning: Habakkuk Goes to the Lord
Habakkuk begins by going to the Lord. He openly issues his complaint.
“O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.” Habakkuk 1:2-3
Phew! I bet He was glad to get that off of his chest. Believe it or not, Habakkuk is just getting started. He keeps pouring out his heart and objections for almost two chapters. Habakkuk sees the spiritual ruin and economic despair that Judah is experience. Does God see? Does could care? Habakkuk wants to know and He pours out His heart to the God who doesn’t miss a thing.
The Waiting: Habakkuk Listens for a Response
Habakkuk has spilled his objections and now he waits for a response from the Lord.
“I will take my stand at my watch post and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.” Habakkuk 2:1
Habakkuk is patiently waiting to see what the Lord has to say about his lengthy complaint. As a prophet, waiting to hear from the Lord is something he is most likely used to. But now, Habakkuk isn’t just waiting for a prophetic word, he is waiting to hear from the God of heaven - the One who sees, knows, and cares.
Wondering what the Lord’s answer was? Well, it wasn’t what Habakkuk was expecting. The Lord was doing something…..it would surprise His people and it wouldn't make sense. God was raising up a ruthless army, the Chaldeans, and they would be used to bring judgment on the nation of Judah. God cared more about Judah’s holiness than He did about their happiness. Ouch. Though Judah would not recognize it at the time, God was working. In the midst of the unknown, He was paving the way for the Gospel to go forth through unreached territory.
The Decision: Trust or Bitterness?
Will Habakkuk get bitter and turn away? Or will he chose to trust the Lord? Habakkuk chooses trust. He recognizes the sovereignty and goodness of God in all things.
In chapter three, a change occurs. Habakkuk pours out a song of praise to the Lord. He recalls the Lord’s countless promises. He reminds himself of God’s goodness and power. From the overflow of Habakkuk’s heart, we hear worship and surrender. The valley hasn’t changed, but Habakkuk recognizes the God is sovereign over the valley.
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18
In looking back over God’s faithfulness to His people, Habakkuk remembered God’s track record. He knew that the Lord could be trusted. God provided a way out of Egypt. He provided manna in the dessert. One day, He would provide a Savior for lost mankind. God has always shown Himself to be faithful. Habakkuk chose to trust God’s character over his circumstances.
The Takeaway: Lessons from Habakkuk
The year 2020 sure feels like quite the valley to many. Only through the help of the Spirit can we learn from Habakkuk and run to Jesus in the valley.
Pour out your heart to the Lord. He wants to hear it. He cares. He sees. He knows.
Listen for the Lord. Go to His Word. Sit in prayer. He is always faithful to draw near to His people.
Choose trust over bitterness. God is sovereign over all. He is always working for our good and His glory. We must choose to trust Him.
“You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.” Psalm 119:68
The Lord can be trusted. Though Habakkuk could not see the bigger picture around what the Lord was doing, He trusted Him. Amazingly, the rise of the Chaldeans over Judah eventually led to the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. We can be confident that God is always working. It doesn’t matter what our circumstances may be telling us, His character and plan can be trusted.
In the valleys and victories, He wants our heart. The Lord hears us and He hears the cries of our students. During this season, many of our students have experienced loss, hurt, and separation. Many are fearful.
Encourage them to run to Jesus.
Remind them of His faithfulness.
Model for them unwavering trust in the God who is always good.
His track record is faithfulness.
***STAY TUNED! We are currently prepping a Habakkuk series for you to use in your student ministry.