How Long?
Habakkuk 1:2 O LORD, how long shall I cry,
And You will not hear?
Even cry out to You, "Violence!"
And You will not save. NKJV
The worship leader/prophet was frustrated. Many would have said, "These are the best of times!" Why? Because young King Josiah had instituted the reading of the Law (God's Word) which had been discovered after years of being lost. As the young King read the words of God he was struck with conviction and at the tender age of 20 ordered all idol worship to cease and literally removed all pagan images from the nation! It was revival! Judah had become one nation under Yahweh again! However, there was still residue from years of ignoring God and as we all know, old habits die hard.
It was during this time that Habakkuk, whose name means "to embrace," began to cry out to God. In our focal scripture for today we catch a glimpse of the honest cry of a frustrated man. This man of God was having his own crisis of belief. While the nation was celebrating the fact that they were God's chosen people and enjoying a degree favor under Josiah's leadership, they were also lulled into a false sense of security.
God's reply to Habakkuk's complaint was strong. The Babylonians would be a tool in God's hand to bring judgment on Judah for their sin and disobedience. Have you ever felt like God was not listening? That he was slow to answer your cry? Take a lesson from Habakkuk, God will answer in his timing and according to his plan. Have you been waiting to hear from him? Keep waiting. He will answer in due season and when he does be ready to act upon what you hear. Have an amazing day and keep listening and waiting!
Grace and Peace,
Jimmy aka "Pastor J"
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Feel free to pass this eVotional along to others who could use the encouragement along the way. I would also like to hear your thoughts, comments and feedback. Simply send me an email at jimmy@mscc.tv. I look forward to hearing from you!