I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint (Habakkuk 2:1)
The book of Habakkuk reflects the prophet’s personal conversations with God. He asks how God could permit evil to go unpunished in Judah. God answers that Babylon will be raised up for this purpose, which leads Habakkuk to ask how a righteous God could use a wicked nation to judge his people. Habakkuk stands at the watchtower and waits on God, who assures him that Babylon will be punished. But first they will serve his purposes.
Habakkuk shows us that it’s acceptable to ask God difficult questions. When we stand at the watchtower and wait as the prophet did, we intentionally shift our focus from the problem to our all-knowing God, who is faithful and will fulfill his word. The space between a promise given and a promise fulfilled is where our faith grows.
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation (Habakkuk 3:17–18).
All-knowing God, we have a choice to make. Will we rejoice in you, no matter our circumstances? Change our hearts and draw draw us closer as we wait on you.
