Habakkuk

Habakkuk Ch 1-3
It is not uncommon to express grief, sorrow, or disappointment about something. In other words, to lament.
Laments are our deepest expressions of how we feel. Many of the Psalms are written as laments, speaking to God
and questioning him, but they also demonstrate praise. Author Shane Hipps wrote “The two
complement each other.

Without lament, praise is little more than shallow sentimentality and a denial of life’s struggles and sin. Without praise, lament is a denial of hope and grace, both of which are central to our life of faith.” Of the prophets, Habakkuk is unique because he speaks directly to God about his issues, rather than being God’s mouthpiece to God’s people. The book is an intense dialog between the prophet and God, with Habakkuk arguing that God’s ways are unfathomable and even unjust. Sometimes I’m sure that many of us have felt that way also.

What Habakkuk demonstrates is that true worship is relational and embraces both lament and praise. It’s not unspiritual to declare your questions to God. He’s big enough to handle your cries and your concerns, your fears and frustrations. In Matthew 11:27-29 Jesus says “All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father… Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” 1 Peter5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” How easy it is to forget these things.

Pastor Darryl

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash