"His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise. Rays of light flash from his hands, where his awesome power is hidden."Habakkuk 3:4This verse is a very typical-sunrise-photo-instagram-caption-post. Needless to say, NO I did not put that as my caption on instagram. For reference: (source)
Habakkuk struggled with the same ideals that Job and the writer of Psalm 73 dealt with. The fact that while the good, the innocent suffer, the wicked flourish.1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.3 For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.4 They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.5 They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like everyone else.6 They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty.7 These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!8 They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.9 They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.10 And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.11 "What does God know?" they ask. "Does the Most High even know what's happening?"12 Look at these wicked people - enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.13 Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?14 I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. 15 If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people.16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.19 In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.20 When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.21 Then I realized my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.22 I was so foolish and ignorant - I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.23 Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.25 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who adandon you.28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.Psalm 73
As I watched the sun rise today, I thought about Habakkuk and Job. I thought about their observation on the wicked and evil. I realized that there are times that I too have a bitter heart when I look at others who seem to have it so much easier than I do.Sometimes it seems so dark like I cannot even get through the day. At the same time the sunrise is a constant reminder that God. Is. All. Powerful! Though it may be dark now, there is a splinter of light on the horizon.
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