During times of frustration it’s easy to rage at God and ask “why”? It’s okay to pure your heart out unto the Lord as Hubbukk did in the first chapter and we see God responding to him. In his frustration he says to God;
”How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save.“
Habakkuk 1:2 NLT
We all have our moments when waiting on God is the last thing we want to do. From verse 2-4 Habakkuk pours out his frustration and the lack of change in his environment. God hears every cry and frustration as we pour out our heart to Him as Habakkuk did. The Lordis not put off by it nor is he digusted because we see the Lord patiently responds to him;
”The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.“
Habakkuk 1:5 NLT
Habakkuk responds to the Lord in shock and dismay as the Lord explains His plans to Habakkuk. In his mind he is determined to stay in his position and hear the response the Lord has for him a second time. In interesting thing about Gods response is that it’s nothing to what Habakkuk was expecting:
”Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.“
Habakkuk 2:2-3 NKJV
In the rest of Chapter 2, the Lord continues to respond to Habakkuk. Habakkuk’s situation and the things that was going on in his environment didn’t change but instead of worrying about the problems around him, he shifts his focus to God who holds the entire world in His hands.
As Habakuk looks to God and foucuses on His greatness he is then trusting God to shift things around for him in His perfect timing.
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)“
Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT
Many of us have been or are still In Habakkuks shoes because we are putting all of our focus on our problems. There is nothing wrong at looking at our problems and taking them to Jesus in prayer. It can only lead to frustration if that’s all we focus on. If we choose to look to Jesus and keep our focus on Him, then we will see things from His perspective. Even if the change in your situation doesn’t happen as quickly as you thought it would; still keep your focus on Him.
A practical tip on focusing on Jesus and not our problems is through praise and worship. Habakkuk sang chapter 3 as a song of praise unto God. As he praised God, his perspective changed and he chose to focus on the greatness of God and not on the size of his problems.
As you worship; You will start to see the shift you’ve been believing God for happen in your life!
It’s time to see our problems from Gods perspective!
Let’s Pray:
Today I choose to seek you in the midst of my difficult times. Today I choose to focus on how big you are and believe you have all my problems in your mighty hands. I leave all my burdens with you and I choose to worship you with all my heart. Give me peace through these trying times as I know you are with me and you are working everything out for my good.
In Jesus name,
AMEN