Today’s Reading: Habakkuk 1; Psalm 22

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away when I groan for help? – Psalm 22:1

As we read the book of Habakkuk, we are listening in on a conversation between the prophet and his God. He dares to ask God some pretty tough questions — Why do you allow injustice, God? Do you even care? Why do you tolerate evil? Are you still in control, Lord? These verses minister to my soul for I have asked some of these same questions.

My questions: Why is sin celebrated? How did sex become such a dominant addiction in our society? When did gender identity become a topic for grade school curriculum? Why aren’t people held accountable when they blatantly lie about someone else or twist the truth for their own benefit? Where is God in all of this? Who is speaking the truth? What hope is there for future generations?

God saw the honest heart of the prophet and took time to give him answers — answers that show our God is sovereign!

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.
Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. – Habakkuk 1:2-4

Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. – Psalm 22:11

Have you ever prayed a similar prayer? I definitely have, especially in recent days. Watching the daily news can be aggravating and I ask God where He is at in all of it. I foolishly ask Him to see all of the sorrow and injustice around the world, as if He isn’t already looking. I tell Him my heart is breaking, as if His heart isn’t more affected than mine. I ask Him where He is and if He is listening, as if God doesn’t see all and know all and love more than I am capable of.

“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

God’s answer: Look around! There is evidence of my movement all around! I am never without a plan. Don’t try to fix the world around you with your own strength – trust in my power and wisdom. Look for ME and seek MY plan. Be willing to do what I ask you, instead of depending on yourself. Be a part of my plan instead of forcing your own.

Lord, our hearts are breaking this morning over the evidence of evil all around us. We cannot put our hope in government officials, for they make decisions based on their own agendas and redefine what is moral and what is not. We cannot put our hope in people for the epidemic of sinful choices is too great for man to overcome. You are our only hope. Lord, give us eyes to see the woundedness among us but also give us hearts to see your activity all around us. Help us to trust that you are DOING SOMETHING — that you are watching, that you are moving, that you are responding. Lord, hear our cries and give us a willingness to be a part of your solution. Amen.

Praise the Lord, all who fear him!
Honor him…
Show him reverence…
For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned his back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help. – Psalm 22:23-24