Wednesday, 15^th November 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: WHERE IS GOD?

THEME SCRIPTURE: “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and you will not hear! even cry out unto you of violence, and you will not save.” – Habakkuk 1:2

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why was Habakkuk thinking that God was not hearing his cry or intervening in the ongoing situations around him?

 

It is a fact that what irritates you, is what God has programmed you to change, and this was not different from what the prophet Habakkuk was going through. Habakkuk must have lived and prophesied in the early years of King Jehoiakim, and not so long after the revival in the days of King Josiah. In his days, life had become tough, in a way Habakkuk could not take it anymore. When the going gets tough, the tough get going, but not what Habakkuk could endure any longer.

The situation was dire. Violence was on the rise, injustice was prevalent.

The wicked was hedging in the righteous. It was getting gloomier each passing day. Aside the deteriorating moral fabric of society, there was the threat of a new challenger on the block—Babylon (or the Chaldeans). They were becoming a force to reckon with. They were prepared to subdue every nation to dominate the global stage. Habakkuk was burdened to do something about the situation. But what can one man do? “Virtually nothing”, would be the answer.

But the prophet knew that one man with God is a majority. So, according to the theme scripture, he took the matter to God.

There are times we feel that things are getting out of hand, and deep within, there is a growing concern, “Where is God?” Or, “Is God presiding over all this mess?” The prophet Jeremiah had to face similar situation in his days when he was forced to ask God, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are all those happy who deal treacherously?” (Jer 12:1). These are the times that we take to Him our lamentation, “O Lord, how long…” as David often expressed (Psa 13:1-2).

But truly, precious one, is it the case that God doesn't care when iniquity abounds and righteousness is not regarded?

Is it the case that God is presiding over evil and He’s doing nothing? In the days of Noah, it seemed so. He gave man enough time to repent from his ways. He sent Noah as a messenger to warn them but they didn’t heed. When the cup of iniquity was full, and His caring warnings were rejected, He poured on the sons of men His judgment. He brought everything to factory reset.

Beloved, we live in a day and a time where regard for moral boundaries is almost not there.

We have become lawgivers to ourselves. We have become autonomous on God’s earth. We seek freedom without boundaries, and liberty without limits. The wicked prospers (and we call it smartness) and justice is perverted. In the courtroom and in the boardroom, in the bedroom and in the movie room, truth has not prevailed. We blame each other, to divert the burden of responsibility from us to others. We do not take responsibility for our own actions. Beloved, in our day also, who is asking, “Does God care at all?” If it is you, then there is an answer for you. If we, being evil, are overly concern about the advancement of evil, how much more the righteous God? If you haven’t seen God act, it does not mean He is doing nothing. If you don’t see Him act in judgment, He is acting in another way. It may be that God is extending His grace to the wicked. If you don’t see God act, it might be that the cup of iniquity (of individuals and nations) is not yet full. Where is God in all these? He is pouring out His love before His judgment. If you can’t see His judgment then look out for His love and embrace it. For His love and His grace shall shield you in the day of His judgment. Remain blessed

 

FURTHER READING – Habakkuk 1:1-5

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so. 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. What are some of the happenings around you that bothers you?
2. How often have you taken it to God in prayer?

 

PRAYER

Precious Father, you are the grand weaver and the one whose counsel will stand in the long run. In times like this, when iniquity seems to abound, may I never forget your love and grace for mankind. I receive your help to be a dispenser of your grace to my hurting world. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Nehemiah 1; Nehemiah 2; Hosea 12; Colossians 3; Colossians 4