Hymn of Faith

"Though the fig tree may not blossom, not fruit be on the vines;though the labor of the olive tree fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls YET I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make me walk on my high hills." Habakkuk 3:17-19

The book of Habakkuk is only three chapters long. Habakkuk was a prophet but was unique among the prophets in that asked God questions! He wanted to know what God was doing and why. These are questions we all have from time to time, but for Habakkuk's day, it might have seemed a bit strange. There was so much evil happening all around him; so many things he didn't understand, and he just wanted some answers. God didn't strike Habakkuk down for these questions. He answered them!! Chaos and uncertainty may have been all around the people of Habakkuk's day, but God was still in control and He assured Habakkuk of this. The verses above are at the end of this very short book. They are referred to as "A Hymn of Faith" in most Bibles. They are Habakkuk's response to God's answers to his questions. They are his words of faith to what was happening all around him.

I have taken these verses to heart a few times myself. I have even rewritten verse 17 to reflect some specific needs in my life and those of friends. I, like Habakkuk, have questions I want some answers for, especially at this time in my life. "God, what are you doing in my life? Why did both of those doors close? What do you want me to do now? What are you teaching me through all of this? Are you sure?!?" I know there are others who have asked the same or similar questions of God from time to time if not every day!! Job had questions about his sufferings and God answered him with more questions! "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" "Who determined its measurements?" (Job 38:4-5) In other words, I know what I am doing!!! You just have to trust me on this one! (personal translation here!!) Habakkuk 3:17-19 was Habakkuk's response to the things he was a witness to all around him. God is in control and He knows what He's doing. It doesn't make sense to me what is going on in my life at the moment, but God is using this to work all things for His glory. I may not get the answers I want to my questions, but I know that God is in control. He loves me and He wants only His best for me. I prayed specific prayers and He gave specific answers so why should I question Him. I can learn from Job that I need to remain faithful to God no matter what. I can learn from Habakkuk that God will strengthen those who live by faith the same confidence that a sure-footed deer has in climbing mountains.

Yes, I still have questions that I would like some answers for, but I have realized that my answer is "Just you wait and see! I hear your prayers and questions, Becky. You are my child and I am working all things out for you that will bring ME the most glory. Things that you can't even imagine or know. I am in control. I haven't forgotten about you. I know exactly what you need and where I am going to need you. Keep doing, keep trusting, keep serving and yes even keep asking me questions! Most of all, keep looking to me!"

See you on the High Hills!

Becky