Arguing with God
Habakkuk 3:1-17
Healthy relationships are rooted in authenticity, transparency, and connection. While those virtues are vital, they can lead to heated arguments. Your closeness inevitably causes conflict. When someone knows you intimately, they can also pinpoint your character flaws and weaknesses. When you are deeply connected with someone, you become vulnerable to harm from them. Love is one of life’s greatest gifts, but it can also create life’s biggest hurts.
Partners fight. It’s just part of life. Couple quarrels can be some of the most intense arguments imaginable. Nonetheless, something amazing happens most of the time. They near the end of their conflict, they look into each others’ eyes, and say “I love you.” It’s settled as quickly as it started. Their relationship is far more significant than their squabble. This truth leads them to make up and move on. Their disagreement didn’t override their relationship.
This is what happens towards the end of Habakkuk. The argumentative prophet prods, pushes, and protests for the first two chapters. The tone shifts in chapter three.
Suddenly, his protest turns into praise. Israel was still feeling forsaken. Their nation was still in conflict. Habakkuk still feels like God’s letting the bad guys win. Regardless of all those things, the prophet praises God. He rejoices, “yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:17).
Habakkuk praised God for his perfect track record. Their relationship reminded him that things would get better soon. God is the God of Salvation. Due to this reality, he could glorify God despite their troubles. God delivered them in the past, and He will do it again. Their trying circumstances are merely a blip on the radar of God’s redemptive story.
“Yet” is one of the most significant words in this section. My nation is in ruins, yet I will rejoice. You should try to bring this word into your own conversations with God.
My family is struggling, yet I will praise God. My heart is broken, yet I know that God is here for me.
My situation is scary, yet I will seek peace.
My life is confusing, yet I will rely on God.