In the first part of our Habakkuk series, we saw that Habakkuk lived after a time of revival. He saw God’s people backsliding into idolatry and wickedness again.
In the second part of our Habakkuk series, we saw Habakkuk ask God, “Why are you just sitting there letting your people get away with their rebellion and sin?” God answered that He had a plan—He would bring the Chaldeans to conquer His people. The Chaldeans (Babylonians) were ruthless, violent, proud, and godless. That did not escape Habakkuk’s notice.
This week in our Habakkuk series, Habakkuk has a follow-up question: “how could God let a wicked nation win over His people?”
God answers Habakkuk by saying the Chaldeans won’t get away with it. At the right time, God will bring about the five woes.
The woes seem to satisfy Habakkuk’s thirst for justice. After listening to the Lord, Habakkuk stands in awe and declares in Habakkuk 2:20:
The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.
Habakkuk calls for silence.
He had asked the questions that were plaguing his mind. He listened to God’s answers. He responded with a worshipful call for the earth to join him in silence before the Lord who has bigger plans than we can ever imagine.
Madeleine L’Engle said, “Deepest communion with God is beyond words, on the other side of silence.” I believe that is where Habakkuk was. He was in his silence experiencing deepest communion with God.
After you hear from the Lord, particularly after you’ve had a breakthrough understanding a hard part of Scripture, take time to linger in reverent silence. No music. No Netflix in the background. Not rushing off to text someone or chat with someone. Not even a spoken prayer. Just a time of silence to accept and reflect and stand in awe of God and His plan.
Awesome post, Rachel! I was so focused on the woes that I missed verse 20! thanks for expressing it so well!
That’s part of why I love writing together! We both see different things. I struggled with understanding the woes so I’m glad that is what you wrote about.
I struggle with the silence. Our world is so busy and our minds are so full and busy it can be difficult to listen in the silence. As I continue to learn how to do this, yes for me it is a learning process. Focusing on what God has said and listening and pondering is a work in process for me, as my mind wanders. Thank you for your encouraging words. This is something I truly desire.
THank you Ruth for taking time to read and comment. I struggle with silence, too. it’s so easy to turn on music or an audiobook or a podcast instead of just letting the silence be there and giving me a chance to listen to God.
[…] Habakkuk, in awe of God’s plan that stretches beyond Habakkuk’s imagination, listens to God’s reply and sustains a worshipful silence. […]
One of my favorite books in the Bible. Thanks!
I can see why it’s your favorite! So much in such a short book! Thanks for commenting!
Such a beautifully profound Truth you wrote of so thoughtfully. Yes, that we may have the grace to stop, be still, wait, and give reverence to our great God who SPEAKS to us. To truly commune with our Father. Our Spirit desperately needs to be in direct, intentional contact with God’s Spirit. This is what carries us through and beyond our life circumstances, whatever they may be. Thank you for writing this. Thank you also for the Netflix reference! Lol! How boldly honest, real and applicable. Much appreciated.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Hollie. It’s hard to wait and not to rush through when we need to listen to God.