READING: Habakkuk 1-3; Zephaniah 1-3
Maybe you awakened this morning with questions that you cannot answer. Perhaps you’re asking some of the questions that Habakkuk asked, like, “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” or “Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?” (Hab 1:2-3). Whatever your questions are, today’s Bible readings give us hope.
To Habakkuk’s questions, God simply said, “I will take care of these issues in my timing and in my way.” He would raise up wicked nations if He wished to bring judgment on others, but He would also then hold the wicked nations accountable. Those nations that had plundered others would themselves be plundered in turn (Hab 2:8). God would, in fact, eventually spread His fame to the nations: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Hab 2:14). In the meantime, the people were to live by faith (Hab 2:4), wait patiently for God’s plan to develop (Hab 3:16), and trust that He would make them as sure-footed as the deer climbing the mountainous heights (Hab 3:19). God Himself would be the answer to their questions.
This God, according to Zephaniah, is the “Mighty Warrior” who judges the whole earth (Zeph 1:14), but who is also the Warrior with His people — the One who saves (Zeph 3:17). When we wait on Him and seek Him in humility and meekness, He takes away our punishment and takes great delight in us (Zeph 3:15, 17). In fact, in one of my favorite verses of the Old Testament, Zephaniah says that He “will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph 3:17). Like the bridegroom who lifts his happy voice over his new bride, God sings over us!
He sings over me. He sings over you. When we remember that picture, our unanswered questions don’t seem to matter as much anymore. He is our answer.
ACTION STEPS:
- No matter what you face today, sing. A lot. God is singing over you.
- Keep your ears open for someone around you who is hurting. Offer the hope that you have in Christ.
PRAYER: “Lord, I’m amazed that You sing over me. I pray my living by faith today would give You even more cause to sing.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Haggai 1-2
