How an Ancient Prayer Teaches Us to Trust, Rejoice, and Rest in God
What’s Happening in Habakkuk 3?
Habakkuk was a prophet who went through some confusing and tough times. He cried out to God with all his complaints and questions, but then something amazing happened—God answered him. Instead of feeling hopeless, Habakkuk’s sadness turned into confidence and joy. God helped him see things differently and treated him gently throughout his struggles.
A Changed Heart
Habakkuk didn’t just keep these feelings to himself. He wrote down what was happening in his heart. God had changed him, and now Habakkuk wanted to share this with others. He wrestled with a big question: “How should we react when life doesn’t make sense?” The answer isn’t to be bitter, complain, or just try to tough it out. Instead, we find our true joy by focusing on who God is. That’s where our strength comes from—remembering God’s greatness and staying close to Him.
Remembering How Great God Is
God reminded Habakkuk (and reminds us) of all the powerful things He’s done and can do. When Habakkuk realized this, he wanted what God wanted. He prayed for his people to be spiritually “revived”—that their hearts would be renewed and excited about following God again.
Habakkuk’s Prayer (Habakkuk 3:2)
“O LORD, I have heard about all you have done, and I stand in awe. Please bring your work to life again now, and show your mercy even when you are angry.”
Habakkuk prayed for God to wake up and renew His people, just like we sometimes need a new spark in our faith. He knew that when people drift away from God, they need to be brought back to life spiritually. Experiencing God’s presence is an amazing thing.
What Can We Learn from Habakkuk’s Prayer?
· God has done incredible things in history.
· God is always holy and good.
· He is in control over everything.
· God is powerful enough to shake nations.
· He is both a judge and a rescuer.
· God will one day set everything right.
· God is not distant—He is our God, and He chooses us as His people.
· God’s plans and actions always have a purpose, even when we can’t see it.
Rejoicing in Hard Times (Habakkuk 3:17–19)
Habakkuk learned that even when things go wrong—when there’s no food, no crops, no animals—he can still find joy in God. He said, “Even if all these things fail, I will still rejoice in the Lord. God is my strength. He gives me sure footing, like the feet of a deer, and helps me walk high above my troubles.”
Trusting God in Uncertain Times
Habakkuk didn’t get all the answers he wanted, but what he learned about God was enough for him. He realized that God can be trusted, even when life is confusing. Instead of worrying, he chose to rejoice and find peace in God.
How Can We Do the Same?
The New Testament gives similar advice. Paul says we can “rejoice in our sufferings” (Romans 5:3) because we know God is working in us. James tells us to count it joy when we face tough times (James 1:2), and Jesus endured the cross because He knew the joy on the other side (Hebrews 12:2).
Resting in God means trusting His character and believing He is in control, even when we don’t understand. Like Habakkuk, we might not get all the answers, but we can come out of our struggles with joy—because we know and trust the One who does.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 