O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise" (Habakkuk 1:2-3)
Throughout scripture we see similar words spoken as we do here at the beginning of the prophet Habakkuk. These words today are born from a time in when the people of Judah (southern kingdom) were caught between two major world powers -- the Assyrians (roughly modern Syria and northern Iraq) and the Babylonians (roughly modern Iraq). They lived in anxiety and fear of events beyond their control. In fact, the Babylonians would eventually take them off into exile.
While ours is not analogous to the situation of the small vassal state, Judah, we are still experiencing our own anxiety and fear of events beyond our control (terrorism, shootings, racial unrest, etc). We too can utter the words "Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble?" We too may reflect that "destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise."
The interesting reality of the book of Habakkuk is that the prophet never receives an answer to the "Why?" questions. Habakkuk ultimately comes to a place of trust saying "Though the fig tree does not blossom ... and though the flock is cut off from the fold, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation."
Despite evidence to contrary, the gift of Habakkuk is that the prophet remains faithful, even while honestly expressing anger, frustration, and fear. It is this dichotomy of faithfulness that allows a glimpse into how we can respond in the midst of our uncertainties. Honest doubt and unwavering faith are actually two sides of the same coin. The Bible is full of this paradoxical reality.
God, you are strong enough to both receive our doubts and questions and give us strength of faith. Thank you! Amen.
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