II. Habakkuk’s Prayer (Habakkuk 3:1-19)

II. Habakkuk’s Prayer (3:1-19)

3:1-2 With his perspective righted, Habakkuk stands in awe of God. As he considers God’s deeds—what he has done in the past and what he will do in the future—Habakkuk asks God to remember mercy even as he justly pours out his wrath (3:2). This kind of intercession on behalf of others, in fact, is what godly people do. It’s what Moses did (see Exod 32:11-14), and it’s what Daniel did (see Dan 9:1-19). So, remind God of his promises and plead for mercy.

3:3-19 Habakkuk praises God for his splendor, brilliance, and power (3:3-4). No one can stand before him; he makes the earth tremble (3:5-15). In time, he will save [his] people (3:13). But, in the meantime, Habakkuk would have to quietly wait for the day of distress to come against the invaders (3:16).

Sometimes, in the midst of trouble, we, too, must be patient, trusting God’s promises and following his agenda for us. That, in fact, was the posture behind Habakkuk’s declaration, Though the fig tree does not bud . . . the flocks disappear . . . yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation (3:17-18). In other words, whatever happens to me, I’ll praise the God who saves me because he is my strength (3:19). When you know God’s character (who he is) and his works (what he has done), you’ll know that you can trust him—even in the dark.