Lately, we have been learning from the book of Habakkuk. I would call it an underrated book and character in the Bible; honestly, I have skipped reading this book a couple of times. But our pastor, Ben Alcaraz, has been instrumental in leading us on a remarkable journey of studying and delving into the depths of the book of Habakkuk. With each sermon, he has guided us through the rich and challenging themes of this lesser-known prophetic book.

Habakkuk provides profound insights into the nature of trust, exploring the challenges, doubts, and ultimate faithfulness of the prophet. Through his journey, we learn valuable lessons about what it means to truly trust in God, even in the midst of adversity. 

Lesson 1: Acknowledging Our Doubts

In the opening verses of the book, Habakkuk raises sincere questions and expresses doubts about God’s justice in the face of prevailing evil and injustice. 

²How long, Lord, must I call for help,
    but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
    but you do not save?
³ Why do you make me look at injustice?
    Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?

He candidly presents his concerns, revealing a level of transparency and vulnerability that is often overlooked. This teaches us the importance of acknowledging our doubts and wrestling with our faith. Trusting in God does not require us to suppress our questions; rather, it invites us to bring them before Him in an authentic and respectful manner. 

Trusting in God does not require us to suppress our questions; rather, it invites us to bring them before Him in an authentic and respectful manner.

Lesson 2: Faith in God’s Sovereignty

After presenting his doubts to God, Habakkuk positions himself to hear from God. In Habakkuk 2:1, we see the prophet declaring, 

“I will take my stand at my watch post and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me.”

Trusting in God involves waiting patiently for His response. It requires us to still our hearts and minds, seeking His guidance and wisdom. In our seasons of waiting, we must cultivate patience, knowing that God’s timing is perfect and His plans are ultimately for our good.

As Habakkuk receives God’s response to his inquiries, he is reminded of the sovereignty and justice of God. Though the circumstances may seem grim and incomprehensible, Habakkuk is encouraged to trust that God is in control. In Habakkuk 2:4, the well-known verse states, 

“The righteous shall live by his faith.” 

This profound truth emphasizes that trust in God is grounded in the assurance that He is faithful and will fulfil His promises. Our faith in God’s sovereignty allows us to relinquish our worries and fears, knowing that He is working all things together for His purposes.

Lesson 3: Praising God in All Circumstances

Despite the impending judgment on the nation of Judah, Habakkuk chooses to praise God. In Habakkuk 3:17-19, he proclaims his confidence in God’s provision and strength, stating, 

“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” 

This demonstrates that genuine trust in God transcends circumstances. It is not contingent upon favourable outcomes but is rooted in the unchanging character of God. Trusting in God means finding reasons to praise Him, even in the midst of trials and hardships.

Genuine trust in God transcends circumstances. It is not contingent upon favourable outcomes but is rooted in the unchanging character of God. Trusting in God means finding reasons to praise Him, even in the midst of trials and hardships.

Imagine standing on a rocky cliff, overlooking a vast ocean. Dark storm clouds gather in the distance, and you feel the first droplets of rain on your face. As the storm intensifies, the winds howl and the waves crash against the rugged rocks below.

In this analogy, the rocky cliff represents our trust in God, while the storm symbolizes the trials and uncertainties we face in life. Just as the prophet Habakkuk stood firm on his watchpost, we too must anchor ourselves to the solid rock of God’s character and promises, even when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us.

When doubts and questions assail us, it’s like the raindrops that hit our faces. They might startle us, but we can choose to acknowledge and express those doubts before God, just as Habakkuk did. Instead of allowing the doubts to weaken our trust, we can bring them before God and find reassurance in His wisdom and faithfulness.

As we patiently wait for God’s response, it’s as if we are perched on the watchpost, eagerly seeking His guidance. The storm rages around us, but we hold fast to the unchanging truth that God is in control. We trust that His timing is perfect, and His plans, though often beyond our understanding, are ultimately for our good.

In the midst of the storm, we witness the power and sovereignty of God, much like the crashing waves against the rocks. We realize that just as the rocks stand firm against the onslaught of the sea, God’s sovereignty remains unshaken by the challenges we face. Trusting in Him means relinquishing our worries and fears, knowing that He is working all things together for our good.

And like Habakkuk, we can choose to praise God even when circumstances seem dire. We rejoice in the midst of the storm, knowing that He is our salvation and strength. Just as the rocky cliff remains steadfast amid the crashing waves, our trust in God endures, finding reasons to praise Him even in the most challenging seasons.

Ultimately, the analogy of the rock and the storm reminds us that trust in God is not a passive act, but an active choice. Just as the rocky cliff stands firm against the storm’s fury, we must actively anchor ourselves to the unchanging rock of God’s character. By doing so, we can weather any storm with unwavering trust, finding solace and strength in our Creator, who is always faithful and worthy of our confidence.

The book of Habakkuk provides a profound example of what it means to truly trust in God. By acknowledging our doubts, waiting patiently, placing our faith in God’s sovereignty, and praising Him in all circumstances, we can cultivate unwavering trust in our Creator. Habakkuk’s journey reminds us that even when we don’t understand God’s ways, we can trust His character, His wisdom, and His goodness.