The book of Habakkuk contains three chapters and 56 verses. The prophet's name means "embracing" or "one who embraces." Habakkuk was a deeply troubled man. In this short article, we deal mainly with the book's first two chapters, a discussion of Habakkuk's inner struggle as he wrestles to find answers to his perplexing questions.

First question: How long shall I cry and you will not hear? (1:2) Habakkuk did not understand how God could remain silent as he continually pleaded with Him. How did God answer? "Look among the nations and watch -- be utterly astounded! For I will work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you. For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, a bitter and hasty nation which marches the breadth of the earth, to possess dwelling places that are not theirs." {Habakkuk 1:6,7}

Second question: You are of purer eyes than to behold evil... Why do you look on those who deal treacherously, and hold Your tongue when the wicked devours one more righteous than he? (1:13) God's reply: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." {Habakkuk 2:3}

God was not indifferent to His people's plight. By their conduct, they caused God to answer Habakkuk as He did. God heard their cries, but He could not help them because they were in sin. God warned them of the day when they would go too far, and when they called on Him, He would not hear. We have already seen, in the other prophets, the many sins and ungodly acts with which they corrupted themselves. God tried, through the prophets and through many different kinds of correction administered through other nations, to get their attention. So far, all had fallen on deaf ears!

The second question is understandable. Habakkuk understood God's pure character. How could He, without a word of rebuke, allow a nation even more wicked and ungodly then they, to destroy His people? The prophet failed to see the corrective nature of God's actions. He used this evil nation as a disciplinary tool to bring His people to their senses. How can anyone question God's motives or actions? Had God's people remained faithful, the Chaldeans posed them no threat. Yet, because of their sin, they were vulnerable, and God would punish them for their disobedience. Where does the blame belong? Not with God, but with the nation that departed from His ways!

Let's discuss some practical lessons from Habakkuk.

First, God's faithful servants sometimes express some honest doubt. We don't doubt God's existence, or His love; but at times, His workings and methods are confusing. It reminds me of Isaiah's words -- God's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8,9). Never forget that God does not reason or think as we do. He possesses far more information, and He has the wisdom to know how to use that information. Mortal man cannot fully understand God's ways. Yet, we must trust Him to know what is best for us. Do not allow doubt to question God's goodness or love. We do not have to understand all His ways, but we must believe that He knows best.

Second, God is still in control. Despite what may be going on in the world, God still has control. Men can proceed only as far as God allows. He will not take away our free moral agency, but at the same time, He will not allow that freedom to place us in a position where we can't serve Him. It might be difficult, but it will always be possible. Habakkuk received God's reassurance that He cared and that He would help. He will also help us.