Read Habakkuk 3:1-19
Habakkuk’s prayer speaks to the supreme power of God, thus his sovereignty. In the face of what he has heard from God and the position he has been placed to share that message, Habakkuk’s world has been rocked. We see how he responds.
Habakkuk prays with humility. First and foremost, he calls out God’s deeds and dreams for his people. He tells God that no matter what calamity happens, “I will rejoice in the LORD!” How often do we praise God in the storms of our life? We’re probably complaining, a bit like Habakkuk did, but do we also give praise, as Habakkuk is modeling for us?
This example of prayer challenges us in two ways. How often do our prayers include so much adoration and praise? How often do our prayers affirm our allegiance and desire to stay true not matter what?
Don’t think of it as “buttering up” God by telling him how great he is. He is going to love you and answer your prayers just the same no matter how much adoration you bring. Think of how good it makes you feel when people applaud you and your efforts. It doesn’t hurt to make God feel good. Think of all he’s done for you. It’s the “least” we can do—to sing his praises!
The other challenge comes into play when life circumstances turn a negative direction. It’s easy to blame God or wonder where he is when you lose your job, or a loved one gets sick, or you get a bad diagnosis, or your pet takes their last breath. Do you stay true to God in those dark moments or do you turn your back on God feeling abandoned? Habakkuk wanted God to know he wouldn’t desert him no matter how bad it got. That’s a cool thing to add to a prayer, don’t you agree?
Praying to God is simply talking to God. What you talk about is up to you. Habakkuk shows us how to approach God with more than just a laundry list of “wants.”
What does your prayer time with our sovereign, all-powerful God look like? Do you tell him how great he is? Do you thank him for stuff? Do you tell him how sorry you are for those sins you are trying so hard to break? Maybe after you do some of those things, you can get out the list of your needs and wants, including those requests for other people.
This reading reminds us “who” we’re praying to. Our Sovereign Lord. Habakkuk closes his book brilliantly with these words. “The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.”
Let’s pray. Thank you, God, for the honor of being able to pray to you, to talk to you about anything. I want to approach your throne of grace with more awe and reverence, telling you how great and majestic you are. Forgive me for those times that I just ask for more and more. You know my heart’s desire is to follow you and live in your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
