You trampled the sea with your horses, churning the great waters.
Habakkuk 3:15
I've loved storms all my life. The gush of the winds, the massive undulating clouds, and the trees that twisted and swayed in helpless submission. I'd stand on my porch both thrilled and terrified, listening to the distant wail of the tornado siren, knowing it was time to move to safety but glorying in the power of the display. I knew they were dangerous. I knew property could be destroyed and people killed, and I certainly didn't wish harm to anyone. But I couldn't help being drawn to the magnificent power of God and the knowledge of my own helplessness.
I think that may be some of what Habakkuk felt. It's a difficult book for me to understand. Habakkuk begs for God's intervention as he sees the violence and wickedness of his day. He feels abandoned and longs for God to return to nation to Himself. Yet the answer he receives is that God will empower the Babylonians. They will sweep across the world devouring everything in their path and destroying the nation.
A human storm. A destructive power out of all control. Yet the strength of God behi
nd it all. Habakkuk doesn't pretend to understand the answer, yet he doesn't plead for deliverance either. He accepts what will come. He warns his people and describes their own wickedness. He doesn't promise a quick rescue or explain how God will use this trial to their benefit. He just ends with a simple faith that God will carry them through.The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:19
