In the Old Testament book that bears his name, the prophet Habakkuk expressed frustration over circumstances he couldn't understand. Habakkuk heard the news that the nation of Judah, the people of God's own possession, was to be conquered and carried captive by the infamous King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  

Babylon's conquest of Judah was inevitable. Habakkuk was fearful, yet submissive. Observe:

LORD, I have heard the report about Thee and I fear. O LORD, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy" (3:2).

Subsequently, in verses 3-15, the prophet engaged in a remarkable exercise. He recounted the numerous occasions in the storied history of Judah when, under similar circumstances, God had provided either deliverance or endurance. And isn't that precisely what God provides in response to the prayer of distress, when loss looms: either deliverance or endurance?   

Habakkuk's prayerful enumeration accomplished two functions: one, it honored God for his faithfulness in days past and, two, it strengthened the prophet's personal trust in God's faithfulness for the present hour.

Even if you're preoccupied by the distress of the day, take the time to read Habakkuk's reflections of divine deliverance and endurance. Now, what would it look like to name your own experiences of divine deliverance and endurance? What would it look like to combine this exercise with the learning of two weeks ago (click here to revisit the post), concluding each recollection with the declaration of Psalm 136: "For his mercy endures forever"? 

The prophet concluded his prayer by "pulling apart"--disassociating-- any looming loss in distress from his determination to rejoice in the God of his salvation. Observe: 

I heard and my inward parts trembled, At the sound my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones, And in my place I tremble. Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, For the people to arise who will invade us. Though the fig tree should not blossom, And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail, And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold, And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places (Habakkuk 3:16-19).

Did Habakkuk's faith preclude his fear?

What is your impression of the conclusion of Habakkuk's prayer in verses 16-19: resignation or determination?
 

What would it look like if you concluded your prayer of distress either by quoting Habakkuk's prayer of verses 16-19 or by creating your own version reflecting your own values? 

How might it prove liberating to pull apart looming loss in distress from your determination to rejoice in the God of your salvation?  

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