Habakkuk 3:1-19
The LORD has silenced the voice of the earth (Habakkuk 2:20), but the faithful man can offer up his prayer before Him. He declares what he has seen (vv. 3, 7 ) and what he has heard (vv. 2, 16). His vision of the Chaldean enemy is obliterated. In its place, the prophet contemplates the majesty of the God of vengeance. Accompanied by awe-inspiring signs, this God comes forward to judge the nations and to save His people (vv. 12, 13). Confronted as he is with this solemn vision, what are the prophet’s feelings? At first, fear; he does not hide it. But he knows he can call upon the LORD’s mercy, even at the time of His righteous anger (v. 2; Psalms 78:38). God always hears the soul’s S.O.S. Then comes joy! (v. 18). Although material blessings may be lacking (v. 17), the man of God can rejoice, because it is not in circumstances that his joy is found, but in the God of his salvation (cf. Philippians 4:4). "The LORD God is my strength, . . . he will make me to walk upon mine high places" (v. 19; Psalms 18:32-33). May the Lord grant us spiritual energy to climb up to these high places from where faith overcomes the world! The world’s judgment is soon to come, and since our times are like those of Habakkuk, may we on our part be like this man of God.