Bible Chapter: Habakkuk 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Habakkuk wrote about living by faith and trusting God’s judgment.  It is a unique book that is not a prophecy speaking to a nation.  This book is a dialogue between the prophet and God.  Jeremiah lived during the same time as Habakkuk, but Habakkuk does not address his message to  spiritually backslidden and rebellious people as other prophets did.  His writing about his conversation with God is aimed at those who had remained faithful to God.  God was about to take actions against their sinful nation.  Habakkuk had struggled with the thought that God had not judged the sin of the nation, and also that God said He would use wicked people like the Babylonians to punish the nation.  Then he understood that God would deal with the wickedness in His time and way.
Part of the struggle for the prophet was his wondering how long he had to cry for help.  He longed for God to do something to stop the social corruption and spiritual rebellion.  These questions, did not come from a disgruntled or defiant attitude, but from a submissive and sincere heart of faith in God that truly longed for answers.  God assured Habakkuk that He would do something and the issue would be settled.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Throughout the book, Habakkuk expresses his faith in God’s sovereignty.  He learned to trust God’s judgment. One of the key parts of the book is found in the end of Habakkuk 2:4 NKJV
Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.
The Apostle Paul was used by God to start many churches.  He wrote several letters to churches that are recorded in the New Testament.  Paul taught justification by faith. This is the truth that people are made right with God by receiving Jesus as personal Lord and Savior, and not by any good works of our own.  A key theme throughout the Bible is that God wants His followers to live by faith.  Instead of living on pride, God’s followers must live in devotion to God as they trust Him for everything.
Galatians 3:11 NKJV
11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."

3.  How can I help someone?
God will answer questions.  We don’t always get them when we want.  We don’t always like the answers.  But, God will help us learn and understand the truths we need to know.  Habakkuk was not a famous leader.  He was a regular person.  God responded to his needs and questions.