Injustice and Honest Prayer – Habakkuk 1:1-4

When our world is filled with evil, heartbreak, and injustice the natural question is why? The book of Habakkuk is one prophet’s honest dialogue with God around this subject; it is a divine conversation in which God assures his followers and promises his justice.

HABAKKUK & GOD

Habakkauk’s Complaint: Violence of Judah

“O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” - Habakkuk‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God’s Response: Unbelievable Work

“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” - Habakkuk‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV

Habakkuk’s Second Complaint: Violence of Babylon

“Are you not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One?“ - Habakkuk‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV

“I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.” - ‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God’s Second Response: Unshakeable Faith

“And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” - Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Babylon’s 5 Woe’s

1 & 2: Unjust Economics

3: Slave Labor

4: Abuse of Alcohol by Irresponsible Leaders

5: Idolatry

Spiritual Practice:

One: Set Your Eyes on What God Has Done

“O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” - Habakkuk‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV

Two: Find Joy in What God is Going to Do

« Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” - Habakkuk‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬