Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-2, Habakkuk 1:5, Habakkuk 3:1-19, Psalm 56:10-11
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Screw your courage to the sticking place”? It’s a Shakespearean line that, while originating from a particularly devilish plot point in the play Macbeth, has come to take on nobler meaning. When you find yourself wavering, burrow into the thing that will hold you steady.
Habakkuk had more than one reason to have wavering confidence in the Lord (see the list he so helpfully provided in Habakkuk 3:17). Babylon was pressuring Judah on all sides, and then famine plagued a people already at their wits’ end. Habbakuk was very honest with God about these struggles, calling out the fact that God might not even be listening to the cries of suffering rising in Judah—instead choosing to expose Habbakuk to the pain of watching the violent prevail (Habakkuk 1:2–3). After an encounter with God, Habakkuk saw things for how they truly are: There is a God who not only cares deeply about the suffering of His people but acts in His timing for His glory and out of love for His people.
Habbakkuk’s song upends why I think I should place my confidence in the Lord. If I’m honest, so much of my faith is spent white-knuckling this hope that God has promised an end to suffering and all that grieves me in this life (Revelation 21:4). When in distress, my thoughts consistently sound like some variation of, “If I can just hold on a little longer, maybe it’ll all turn out all right in the end.” When I say it out loud, I realize that the sticking place of my courage is in what God will give, not who He is.
I think Habbakuk is cracking open where we’re called to place our confidence as believers. Based on his song, our confidence is in God’s overwhelming power, authority, and holiness over creation. It is in the sheer force of who God is. Rather than gripping outcomes, even the very good ones God Himself has promised, I instead rest fully in the fact that my God is powerful. He is loving, merciful, and righteous. He is the kind of God who wields His power to restore order and justice.
I don’t think it’s wrong to desire that the things God has promised will come to pass for those who trust in Him. He gives us these promises for a reason, and they are meant for our joy and comfort. But I do wonder if this song can help us dig deeper into what’s anchoring our faith. I don’t want my faith to be limited to promises; I want my faith fully rooted in the very presence of God. Soli Deo Gloria—to God alone be glory—for He is enough for me with or without fruit on the vines.
Written by Kayla De La Torre
Leave a Reply
4 thoughts on "Sing of Our Confidence: Habakkuk’s Song of Faith"
When there are wars and threats from outside, when the natural world is in upheaval, when there is sickness of the body, and in times of economic collapse – just like Habakkuk, can we trust in the Lord? In the God of the Bible who has kept His promises to His people throughout all generations? Can we ‘yet celebrate in the Lord’?
Father, please help us to trust in You (it’s not what if, but even if) and be not afraid – to continue to give You praise because we know how the story ends!! Amen.
“[17] Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty,
[18] I will still be joyful and glad, because the Lord God is my savior.
[19] The Sovereign Lord gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer and keeps me safe on the mountains.”
.
Even though…
.
In faith, trust, hope and love, and hands on our hearts, we can all fill in an even though, right?
.
Even though, life throws me lemons, and life is a tad sour..
.
Even though I am riddled with pain, and I struggle with walking/movement..
.
Even though my heart is hurting, from life experiences, or broken through loss..
.
Even though I can not see past this situation…
.
BUT GOD..
.
BUT GOD..
.
He, without a doubt, is my Saviour, in all situations, good, bad, ugly.. He is present, with me, and in me by the power of the Holy Spirit.,
He gives me strength to be me, and to put one foot in front of the other, to speak His truth and promises and to hold fast to them.
His Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light unto my path, and for sure, i am steady footed..
He lifts up my head in praise, my arms in thanksgiving, my feet amoving and my heart in a joyful crescendo of chaotic beating..
.
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation, always and forever..
.
A Delirious song comes to mind.. I Could Sing of Your Love forever..
.
…And I will open up my heart, and let the Healer set me free
I’m happy in thr truth, and I will daily lift my hands.
…. I will sing of your love, (mercy, grace, hope) forever..
Oh I feel like dancing, it’s foolishness, I know..
But when the world has seen the light,
they will dance with joy (and thanksgiving) like we’re dancing now..
.
Soli Deo Gloria..
.
And so it is.
.
.
Happy Thursday my dears..
Much love,
Tina
Love that song, Tina – an oldie but a goodie!!
Amen.
❤️❤️❤️