The Old Testament book of Habakkuk gives us an insightful look at a conversation between the prophet and God. Things were going badly for the people of Judah, and the Babylonian kingdom was knocking at the door, ready to come in and take them out.
It was in this circumstance that Habakkuk looked to God and said in 1:2a, “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” God responded in verse 6, saying, “I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own.”
In other words, God told His prophet, “Things are about to get very bad. And I know you’re waiting for some good news right now, but it’s not coming. Babylon will invade your land and take your people captive, and I’m not going to stop them.”
Habakkuk had to decide if he would turn his back on God, or he would trust Him. And by the end of the conversation, his decision was clear…
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
Habakkuk never saw God restore Israel in his lifetime. But despite the waiting and the anguish, he knew God was faithful and rested in His presence.
The secret to life is realizing the world is full of the unseen presence of God—that includes our inner world. And when we’re called to wait on the Lord, He gives us the strength to rejoice in that presence.
We never know what trusting God will do until we really have to trust in God. And waiting is the workshop of learning to trust—relying on His presence and learning to lean on God who will never fail!