In the last couple of days, God has told me twice to read Habakkuk. Yes, one of those obscure little books somewhere in the Old Testament that you have to look up in the table of contents to find. The first time I read through the account of Habakkuk’s vision, it reconfirmed to me that God has and still does turn horrible situations around for His good and glory. The second time I read through it, something else stood out to me - which is the wonderful thing that happens when you ask Holy Spirit to reveal what He wants to you when reading the same story or passage.
During Habakkuk’s time, the Babylonians were messing things up, badly - to say the least! He cried out to God in the midst of such horror asking God where He was and why He was not taking care of the atrocities. When finally Habakkuk stopped crying and decided to be quiet, the Lord told him how He was going to annihilate the Babylonians from the inside out.
Now here is the funny part. Well, I think it is funny because this is so typical of us humans. After God showed Habakkuk the vision of the terrible destruction of the Babylonians, Habakkuk jumps up and starts singing at the top of his lungs, oh God, you are so amazing! (paraphrased) Why did Habakkuk feel so good all of a sudden when people were suffering and dying? Why could he now sing out in praise even though the world was going to pot all around him? Well, God gave him a vision. It is that simple! God showed him what He was going to do in the future and this was enough to get Habakkuk’s vision off his current problems and on to a promise. Things were absolutely hopeless at that very moment, but with a vision of God’s deliverance and goodness, joy filled his heart. All of a sudden, he was now as surefooted as a deer because of his God’s vision/promise.
You see, when you are in a dark room all you need is the smallest of light to give you a sense of direction and hope. God gave Habakkuk a vision, He shed some light in the darkness and this renewed his joy. The same principle is still true today. When you are surrounded by darkness or doubt; by hate or violence; by confusion or hopelessness, all you need is a light… a vision. Sometimes, that light can come in the form of an encouragement from a friend or family member. Other times, it can be a prophetic word you got in the past that you all of a sudden remembered. Most of the time, though, it is when you spend time with your Lord and He gives you that special encouragement of what He has done and will still do in the future.
Do you want joy in the midst of suffering? Do you want to sing even when there is no hope? Well then, my friend, ask your Lord to show you once again how good His plans are for you and how much He adores you. Boldly ask Him to show His might in your life. Then, keep your eyes on His promise like an arrow tip on a bullseye.
Hebrews 12:2 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
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