O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known;
In wrath remember mercy.
Hab. 3:2 NKJV
Habakkuk was very upset because evil works continued to go on in Israel. His cry to God had not been answered with revival, but God had told him He was sending the Chaldeans to attack Israel and take them captive. The Chaldeans were like our modern-day terrorists.
Habakkuk began to pray. He did not argue with God or plead with Him to change His plans. He prayed for God to do His work, knowing that God would be glorified. He simply asked for mercy during the wrath. He remembered the mighty works of God, such as the parting of the Red Sea. After he considered all the great things God had done, Habakkuk admitted he was afraid. His spirit was trusting God, but his weak flesh was afraid of what he may endure. He would lose his home. He would lose family and friends, and he would have to watch them suffer.
Finally, he praised God. No matter what was about to happen, no matter how bad the situation, Habakkuk could still praise God.
Habakkuk’s prayer is a wonderful model for prayer during any trial. Our desire is to glorify God, even when we have to suffer. Prayers for mercy and grace will be answered. When God doesn’t remove the thorn, He gives sufficient grace and His mercies are new every morning. We can also remember what God has done in our lives and the lives of others. Like Habakkuk, we admit we are human and we fear what will come in the form of loss and pain.
Finally, we can praise God, no matter how difficult things become. Our lives may be turned upside down, but we will praise Him!
MEMORY VERSE
”Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.” Hab. 2:4 NKJV
OPEN YOUR BIBLE
Read Hab. 3.
THE NAMES OF GOD
Elohe Chaseddi – God of Mercy
“My God of mercy shall come to meet me; God shall let me see my desire on my enemies.” Ps. 59:10 NKJV
Elohe Chaseddi, God of Mercy, will always be merciful to us no matter what we are going through. It was because of mercy that Elohe Chaseddi forgave us and saved us. It is because of mercy that Elohe Chaseddi is merciful when He allows trials into our lives. He is merciful even when He has to chastise us. Praise Elohe Chaseddi for His wondrous mercy.
WALKING THE WALK
Like Habakkuk, we don’t understand the things which happen in our world, our nation, and even in our own personal lives. What has God brought you through in the past? Trust Him to do it again.
God, our Father,
We don’t always understand what is happening, but we trust Your plan and purpose. Thank You for grace and mercy! May all the glory be given to You. Amen
If you found today’s format refreshing and enlightening, you will love the other 59 devotions in “Incense Rising: 60 Days to Powerful Prayer.” Learn more
Originally posted on April 3, 2020 @ 3:00 am