Habakkuk: A 7-Day Devotional on Ruthless TrustExemplo

From Awful to Awesome

Habakkuk 3:1-15

Written by: Patty Taylor

When Times Are Tough

Hurricane. Car accident. Cancer. Nuclear bomb. Holocaust. Assault. Fire. Murder. War. Famine. Pandemic. What would be your reaction to any of these crises? When faced with trouble, we often overreact, give in to self-pity, and develop an awful “woe-is-me” attitude. We succumb to ruthless fear rather than sink our teeth into ruthless trust.

The writer of Habakkuk is seeking God’s help because of all the adversity in his midst. As awful as the circumstances were, he has heard good reports of God’s power overcoming all the tragedy. He begins to pour out his heart in prayer. Despite the calamities which he enumerates, he is obligated to see the bright side of the picture and recognize what God has done to deliver his people.

What God Has Done

In fact, the author stands in awe of God’s deeds (see Habakkuk 3:2) and pleads for restoration. He sees splendor in the heavens and praise on the earth. God shakes the earth, startles the nations, and breaks the mountain apart. The mountains are split by rivers pouring water and producing high waves. He marches across the earth with indignation and tramples down nations in wrath. God crushes the leader of the house of the wicked, strips him from foot to neck, and pierces his head with his own sword.

We must get hold of our emotions and not give in to distress. We must remember the goodness of God and what he teaches us. Habakkuk’s prayer calls on God on behalf of His people who have suffered. We must flee to God for refuge, remembering His admonition in Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”

Our depressing and awful circumstances can become an awesome hallelujah when we depend on God. Why? Because as Rich Mullins wrote, “Our God is an awesome God; He reigns from heaven above, with wisdom power and love; Our God is an awesome God."

Now What?

Take an inventory of your attitude in times of crisis. How can you change your "woe is me" to "great is the Lord?" Start by focusing on Jesus and what He's already done for you!