Let’s recap a little before we get into Habakkuk chapter 3. Habakkuk, the Judean prophet, begins this book in chapter one by complaining about the rebellious nature of the people of southern Israel. They had forgotten God, His provisions, and His promises! They had turned to idol worship and wickedness. God finally answers Habakkuk telling him that “…I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” God’s plan of discipline for the Judean people is to send the wrath of the Chaldeans which later happened in 586 BC. Even though wrath and judgement are coming, God assures Habakkuk in 2:4 that the “…righteous shall live by his faith.” This is a great reminder that regardless of how bad it may get, we have the hope of the resurrection through faith in Jesus Christ. We see later in chapter 2 in which God also gives warning to the Chaldeans. He tells Habakkuk in 2:14 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Let’s compare this book to a song. In fact our life could be a worship song, a hymn, glorifying God! Even though this song may start out as a dirge, a lament for the rebellious or our own rebellion, it will end as a rejoicing worship song! When we seek God, He is true to take us on a journey of maturity that will help us conquer complaint and develop a life of contentment even in the worst of storms.

 

A Simple Request (Habakkuk 3:1-2) In Habakkuk’s maturity he turns to God in prayer. This time Habakkuk is not complaining but requesting! Immaturity looks like fear, belittling someone because of insecurity, or complaining when you don’t get your way. God’s answer is to turn to Him in prayer. Paul told the Philippians in 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

What are his request?

 

a. Revive the Lord’s work. (v.2) When King Josiah died in 609 BC, the reforming work of getting back to following God, died with him.

 

b. Reveal the Lord’s work to the people. (v.2) “…in the midst of the years make it known;”

 

 

A Seasoned Reflection (Habakkuk 3:3-15) Habakkuk had become seasoned, he had matured in his relationship with God. He is able to reflect upon God’s goodness and mercy throughout his journey. There are three main themes in this reflection.

 

1) God’s deliverance. (vv. 3-7) Teman known as the southern region of Edom, came to represent that God would arise from an area that no one would have thought of in order to deliver His people. This is a reference to the exodus of Egypt. Mount Paran is the Sinai wilderness.

 

2) God’s divine power. (vv. 8-11) God is the mighty warrior. “The sun and moon stood still in their place” is a reference to Joshua’s victory recorded in Joshua 10:12-14 in which God made the sun and moon stand still.

 

3) God’s dominance over enemies. (vv.12-15)

 

 

A Satisfied Response (Habakkuk 3:16) Even though I may be dying, I will trust in the Lord’s presence and power! Habakkuk is satisfied in God! This is especially displayed in verses 17-19.

 

A Song of Rejoicing (Habakkuk 3:17-19) That’s maturity! Even if they wipe us out, you are still a good God! You God love us! Maturity in Christ has little to do with age! I’m reminded of Hannah Sobeski, an 18yr old in Spartanburg SC who battled with cancer. She wanted others to see God’s power and glory through her battle with cancer. Her response was even in the storms of life we can rejoice in the goodness of God! She used her illness to minister for His glory!

 

You may not be able to rewrite the beginning of your worship song to Christ. It may be full of fear, rebellion, and sin. You can write the ending! You can rejoice in Christ today and be satisfied in Him! If in fact you are satisfied in Christ alone, you’re guaranteed to be with Him for eternity! Let your life’s song be the joy of Jesus Christ!