Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 19, 2023
Habakkuk 3:16-19
16 I hear and my insides tremble. My lips quiver at the sound. Rottenness enters my bones. I tremble while I stand, while I wait for the day of distress to come against the people who attack us. 17 Though the fig tree doesn’t bloom, and there’s no produce on the vine; though the olive crop withers, and the fields don’t provide food; though the sheep are cut off from the pen, and there are no cattle in the stalls; 18 I will rejoice in the LORD. I will rejoice in the God of my deliverance. 19 The LORD God is my strength. He will set my feet like the deer. He will let me walk upon the heights.
Good Morning, Rejoice and Praise the Lord!
Habakkuk was a prophet who questioned the seeming indifference of God to his people. The Book begins with “How long, O Lord?” Habakkuk asks, “Why doesn’t God correct his wayward children?” and “Why are such extreme measures needed?” In response to his questions found in Chapter 1, Habakkuk received a vision that showed the evil people of Judah receiving devastation. God acknowledges those who have faith and are righteous and saves them.
One message from Habakkuk is to trust God, no matter what. In today’s world, we ask similar questions, “Where are you, and why do you allow such things to happen?” Truly, “How Long, O Lord?” Think of the times you have asked these or similar questions.
We say we are believers, yet we struggle to trust what we believe! When Martin Luther faced struggles, he would say, “I am a child of God, I am baptized, I believe in Jesus Christ crucified for me.” Perhaps this was a way to remind himself of what he believed, like an internal pep talk.
Chapter 3 of today’s passage is a prayer to God as Habakkuk first admits his fears and then lifts up his faith that God will deliver him from this evil. He closes by praising God. God promises to be with us always. As we face our trials and struggles, God is with us, and it is a good and powerful thing to state your beliefs in these times. “I am a child of God; I am baptized; I believe in Jesus Christ crucified for me.” Another statement of faith we can say or even shout is: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong!
Trust in God, no matter what! Stand firm in your beliefs!
Loving God, We thank you for Your blessings. We are weak, and we rely upon your grace to live a life in Christ. We Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: In times of uncertainty, I will entrust my future to God.
Stand on the promises of God! Pastor Liz
Comentários