This week, on more than one occasion the Habakkuk has come to mind. Since it is not exactly a common name I cannot help but wonder why. Habakkuk is a biblical prophet who wrote oracles of woe and lament in the Old Testament somewhere around 600-700 BC. It is not a name that is used much in anything contemporary so the only conclusion was that I was being called to study.
I have to admit that this is something I have not done in more than a few years but I knew right away that there must be a reason...and where that reason came from. So I immediately looked for a study book. There are not many but one of the first things I discovered was that his name comes from the Hebrew word חבק (khavak) meaning embrace. That made me stop in my tracks....my 2021 Word of the Year was 'embrace' although I had not done much embracing as of yet.
I suppose this unlikely occurrence means that it would behoove me to embrace digging into this tiny obscure 3 chapter book. Over the past few years I have felt very distant from my faith, with so much that seemingly was going on (and wrong) I could not help but feel that even though God could hear me He was not helping me. I opened Habakkuk I found that seemed to be exactly what he was feeling too, he is crying out but not getting the answers he expected...his frustrations are apparent. I can totally relate and do not like it any more than Habukkuk did!
There is not much known about Habukkuk other he was a prophet and mouthpiece of God. By his words he obviously knows God and His works, he is aware of God's sovereignty and power yet shows a boldness in asking the hard questions. Over the next few weeks I too shall be asking some hard questions, perhaps I can also find the hope and praise that Habukkuk found despite the answers I may (or may not) receive!
