Perception Like Habbakkuk

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

I wish I could say like Habakkuk. It is so easy to fall into despair when disappointment follows disappointment and life is nothing but a trail of disappointments. When I read the book of Habakkuk, I could see that the prophet was full of complaints and murmurings. His tone was that of righteous anger, frustration, mumbling and despair. However, having said all this and having argued and wrestled with God, Habakukk is finally able make a bold confession to God and himself.

Wow! That shows a quite confidence in the God he worshiped. Habakkuk knew his God well. He knew that God was a God of righteousness, justice, love and compassion. The inward struggle that Habakkuk had was because of God's silence.

It is sometimes difficult to understand God's silence and delays. It is may seem mysterious and overwhelming to an agonized soul. But the assurance that God is in control and He will not allow things unless it would serve a purpose, will help us in having a perception like Habakkuk.

If Habbakkuk's perception should become ours, we need to repeatedly internalize the above scripture (say it again and again in our minds) so that we are accustomed to have our view changed.