Reading a particular verse of Scripture was such a soothing balm to my soul at a point when I was grossly overwhelmed by difficulty and I thought I should encourage you today with the same encouragement I have received.
First, here is the Scriptural verse:
O Lord, now I have heard your report, and I worship you in awe for the fearful things you are going to do. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. In your wrath, remember mercy (Habakkuk 3vs2)
Hmmm, deep need! Yes, you are not only in need, but in deep need. Your trouble is over the top. Your cup of failure, disappointment, lack,…is overflowing. To be factual, problem get grade. And maybe yours is grade A+.
But you don’t have to get submerged in the pit of sorrow and depression.
Right there in that valley that you are in, lift up praise to God. Sing the song of triumph like Habakkuk did. Don’t say the wait is too long and the weight too heavy. You can yet praise Him; Yes, you can.
Cast your mind back to what He’d done in the past. Remind yourself of His glorious and wondrous works. Things He’s done for you and the beautiful report of what He’s done for others. He’s done it before, he can and will do it again (‘cos He’s promised).
But He already warned that the things He plans may not happen right away. The fact that they are not happening now does not mean He’s changed His mind. He just wants them to come in their time- when they have completely blossomed!
I am moved by the fact that the Prophet in this verse decided to worship God for what He believed that He was going to do. Isn’t that an amazing display of faith? We do know that
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
I will like to call this Praising Forward ➡
When you praise God ahead of what He will do, you are telling Him that you trust Him to fulfill His promises. This is no longer a matter of probability to you but of certainty. You are 100% sure that all will be well because God says so.
Displaying this level of trust in God itself is an act of worship and it touches the heart of our Saviour. We see an example in the account of Luke (7:1-10), that records the story of a certain Centurion whose servant was sick and sent to Jesus for help. When he sent to the Lord that He needed not come all the way to His house because He acknowledged that He had authority to call to be whatever He wanted, the Bible says that Jesus marvelled.
Wow!
We can also choose to trust God relentlessly even in the face of difficulty.
Grace for this level of trust is available, if only you would tap into it.
During this time of waiting, praise God (because He has the power to save you).
Trust Him.
Pray.
Above all, plead for His mercy.
May God hear the groaning of your heart and be gracious unto you. May He give you double honour for your shame. May He open His book of remembrance unto you and cause your joy to be full.
All will be well!
