6 Things We Can Learn From Habakkuk

1/1/2019

This passage is so exciting to me, especially how the prophet Habakkuk opens and closed his book. He opens the book with a prayerful plea to God, and God's reply is

This passage is so exciting to me, especially how the prophet Habakkuk opens and closes his book. He opens the book with a prayerful plea to God, and God's reply is "...For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe..." And then Habakkuk closes the book with, though this, though this, and though this.., "yet I will rejoice in the Lord,"

"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." Habakkuk 1:5

"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.” Habakkuk 3.17-18

Though love does not bud and there are no prospects in the wings.
Though I've lost my job and there is no food in the pantry.
Though I have no friends and my car has stalled for the very last time.

Does any of this sound like your life? What else could go wrong, right? Yet I will rejoice in the Lord!

Life can be difficult. At some point, most of us have wondered, "Where is God?" We may even have thought, It seems like evil is winning and God is silent. We have a choice as to how we respond to the difficulties in our lives. Can we choose "yet I will rejoice in the Lord" today? The prophet Habakkuk had an attitude worth noting. He chose to rejoice!

Habakkuk was troubled by the moral and spiritual decline of the world around him, much like we are today. But God’s response troubled him even more. God used the wicked nation of Babylon to punish Judah. Habakkuk did not understand God's plan.

However, Habakkuk could rejoice because he had learned to rely on the steadfast love and faithfulness of the God he trusted. Although God's plan was not clear to Habakkuk, he had learned to trust God. He lived by faith and with this kind of faith comes rejoicing.

Do you know someone who never seems to be content or happy? They are constantly looking for the next new gadget or event to bring them fulfillment. They say things like, “I'd be happy if...” or "I'll be happy when..."

If I had a new car.
If I had a bigger house.
If I could vacation there.
If I could lose 15 pounds.
When I find a husband.
When we have a baby.
When there's enough money in the bank.
When my husband doesn't have to work so much.

IF, IF, IF, WHEN, WHEN, WHEN... The truth is, things and events will never bring lasting joy. The ifs and whens may happen, but people will still find reasons to be discontent. This is why we cannot base our joy on the circumstances that surround our lives.

If we have a good job, can pay the bills, have friends, are happily married and the children are doing well in school, we may be content, maybe even joyful. However, what if times get difficult? What if life is tough? What if we lose our jobs and there's no money to pay the bills? Maybe we don't have a good circle of friends and our marriage is on rocky ground. The children are failing in school and rebellious. What then? Can we still say as Habakkuk did, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord"?

Circumstances should not dictate whether we are joyful.

Habakkuk’s confident declaration and prayer of encouragement in verses 17 - 18 is a beautiful demonstration of his faith in God. He knew this world was not His home. He trusted the steadfast love and faithfulness of his Savior, even when he didn't understand God's plan.

Philippians 4.7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." talks of a peace that we cannot understand. This is the kind of peace that enables us to be joyful, even in the most difficult times.

John 15:11, Jesus' own words "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." talks of a joy that is in us and NOT a result of the circumstances that make up our lives. This is the joy that makes us complete in Jesus Christ.

These two passages speak of peace and joy that are completely independent of our circumstances, whether they be good or bad. Are we able to rejoice in the Lord no matter the circumstances? If we have His peace and His joy we are!

The prophet Habakkuk lived in a day of uncertainty, much like we do. For all the questions that were raised in his lifetime about the future, his response remained simple, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord." This was the prophet's response to uncertainty. Can we also respond as Habakkuk did? Can we trust the hand of God in the face of uncertain times when we don't understand His plan?

6 Things We Can Learn From Habakkuk:

God's ways are not our ways, yet He’s faithful and can be trusted.
Even when things seem chaotic, God is still and always in control.
God wants what is best for us, even when it's difficult to see.
Understanding how God works is not my job. trusting Him is.
Peace and joy don't come from my circumstances but from God.
My timing is just that—my timing—but God's timing is perfect.

Download the "6 Things We Can Learn From Habakkuk" Printable

In the book of Habakkuk God use the wicked nation of Babylon for His divine purpose. How mysterious is that? His ways can be so mysterious and we don't always understand, but we are called to live by faith. Right in the middle of his book Habakkuk writes “the righteous shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). These same words are also quoted twice in the New Testament. First in Romans 1:17, and then again in Galatians 3:11. This only emphasizes the importance of living by faith and being able to say, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord". We too can rejoice, no matter the circumstances. We can trust, no matter the outcome. We are complete in Jesus alone and in His steadfast love and faithfulness. We too can say, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord".

Here's a little homework assignment for you: Before you lay your head on your pillow tonight, write your own story of Habakkuk 3:17-18. Write it out! Paraphrase your life into those last two verses. Whatever problems you are facing, substitute those problems for Habakkuk’s. Then, when you come to the part where Habakkuk says, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord" will you tell God the same thing? I believe your heart will be encouraged when you do.

Please share your story in the comments and be an encouragement to others!

You may also be interested in "An Unwanted Answer." Be sure to grab the free printable!

64 Comments

Deborah Harrison

3/1/2020 05:49:39 pm

I thank God for your understanding of this scripture and your ability to make it simple.

Patsy Burnette link

3/8/2020 08:06:40 am

Thank you so much, Deborah!!! I love the opportunity to be a student of God's Word. There is so much there for our daily lives, and the privilege to hold a copy in my hands is something I hope I never take for granted!

Elisapeta Peter Fuataga

3/28/2020 07:20:45 pm

Glory, Glory to the Lord God Almighty!!
This interpretation is very much helpful and encouraging to me as I serve our God Almighty in this life full of uncertainties.
Praise the Lord for you🙌🙌

Teresa Platon

1/4/2022 12:27:32 am

I will rejoice in the lord always the Lord is my strength the doctors might say I have leukemia and covid-19 but my God will make me overcome in fact he has made me overcome when he went to the cross on Calvary and died for even my sicknesses and sin and he roes again so that I can too because of faith thank you Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior and thank everyone who keeps on sharing the good news

Yvette Thompson

2/14/2022 06:44:46 am

Just seeing this, my sister on Christ.
AMEN! & AMEN! Know that I and many
others are standing in prayerful agreement
with you. Yes, God bore more than just our
sins on the cross, but our sickness & diseases
(ALL KINDS). Keep standing in FAITH! GOD NOT DONE!!!

Rowena Dejolde

4/21/2020 01:13:05 am

Praise God. Thank you for your interpretation. Perfectly understand. So much encourage.
God bless you indeed. Looking forward more word and revelation.

4/27/2020 07:01:44 pm

Thank you. You are very kind. I'm glad you are encouraged! God's Word is encouraging! :)

4/25/2020 03:05:44 pm

So should I rejoice even after rape? Even after my father has been murdered? Even after my boyfriend passed away? I thought good things happened to the righteous? Guess not.

4/27/2020 07:00:44 pm

That is tough! I totally agree. It was difficult for me to rejoice when my sister was killed by a drunk driver. But now, I can see all the good that has come from it. Good and bad things happen to everyone, whether they are a believer or not. We are not immune to the wickedness of sin just because we are believers.

Kyra B

10/19/2020 07:35:53 am

I'm so sorry for your losses. Remember that God is faithful through ALL of our suffering. Even if all hope seems to be lost, God is still there, fighting for you, on your side, holding onto you, and He will never, ever let you go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtyY_Z08ozc

colin

3/16/2021 04:47:26 pm

The word of God has the power to bring peace even in a world as wicked as this. I have found that every experience good and bad that I have ever experienced has been lived before by someone in the scriptures. The word of God is real, more real than the world we live in and the good news is the word of God will prevail and those with faith in it will have victory. No one said it would be easy just look at what Jesus experienced but this victory is ours and it is this that will see us through to the end, which is actually our begining.

Lucy Ortell Bell

1/30/2022 12:25:18 am

I also , and always use and say those same words : my life is in the Bible .

Edward Cullen

4/17/2021 02:22:58 am

Life can be tough at times look many of the prophets in the Bible were crucified. Job lost everything but He was faithful to God and trusted God. God I turn blessed him with double in the end. Faith and trust in God is key even if it feels like the world is falling down all around you. God himself through Jesus Christ will lift you up again from the turmoil. Keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. 🙏

Menani waiserua link

4/29/2021 04:13:58 pm

Thank you for this interpretation. Life can be tough but we must remember how much our Lord went through ( he was spat at, slappedm,disgraced,whipped until his flesh started clinging to the whip , carried the cross and then crucified ) all for us . To bring peace into our lives even though we go through difficulties and losses. He is still faithful and just.

Michelle

12/20/2021 01:52:48 pm

Hello @Me

Yes, you can. As a kid I too was exposed to things that kids should not go through. We go through life never understanding why them happen. But rejoice in the Lord. Your strength can only come from Him, the peace in the toughest situation can only come through His word. We are not promised a perfect life when we give our lives to Christ. We are promised that what He has given to us and lives within us The Holy Spirit), we do not have to go through it alone.

Rejoice in the Lord no matter what. You are a blessing and a miracle. You will overcome this this.

Remember that everything you walk into, you never walk through it alone.

May the Lord, always be with you.

Jennifer Harrell

11/7/2020 08:34:46 pm

Thank you for your interpretation of the book of Habakkuk. It truly inspired and encouraged me as well.
Though I'm experiencing difficulty in my health and the doctors don't know the answers, I will continue to rejoice in the Lord for He is the answer to my healing.

12/8/2020 05:54:39 pm

It is such an encouraging book, Jennifer. I enjoy studying it. I NEED THIS! I hope that you find the answers you need for your health issues very soon!

Eunice Amoako-Gill

12/27/2020 05:09:04 am

I had a dream of someone asking me to read the book of Habakuk. I read it but made no sense to me until I found your page. So glad I discovered it. May the Holy Spirit continue to give you the wisdom of interpretation.Thank you so much.

Lejuane

11/21/2020 03:20:05 am

Paraphrase Habakkuk 3:17-18

Though I feel like a failure as a mother, to my children JP and JD, each I believe I taught as best I could with what I knew
Though they do not what is of You Lord, but the things of this world and causes them strive and turmoil
Though they are not following You as they should
Yet I will rejoice in You Lord
I will take joy in the God of my Salvation

Father tonight I lay them at Your Feet, so You Lord can work in and through them. Father send Your Holy Spirit and move them like never before. I ask this in Your precious Name Amen.

12/8/2020 05:56:09 pm

Lejuane, I love how you just prayed Habakkuk 3:17-18! That is BEAUTIFUL!

jennifer nolan

11/22/2020 09:13:28 pm

Though I look at the world and wonder what is going on.
Though I walk through my life uncertain of what will happen.
Though I know not where the money will come from, I know this,
I will rejoice in the Lord.
His ways are always sure and true. He loves me more than I can ever know, and I thank Him for this unconditional love.
I will rejoice in the Lord!

12/8/2020 05:56:53 pm

Beautiful prayer, Jennifer! I love this so much!

Sophia

12/6/2020 09:54:04 am

Though, I have no friends
Though, my family doesn't support me emotionally
Though, these final exams are so difficult, exhausting and emotionally taxing
Though, I don't have much money
Though, I'm facing addictions
Though, things look like they are about to crumble and it feels like I'm going back to were I started.
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

Jesus is my rock. The Holy Spirit is my ultimate: counselor, advocate, strengthener, helper, guide and best friend.
The Hand of God has never left me. His hand is on my life. I am never alone. God is with me and he is always guiding my every step. Things look bleak, but God is right here with me, holding my hand. Jesus never leaves me. So, I will rejoice in Him.

12/8/2020 05:59:41 pm

Yes, Sophia, He is our Rock! I was just reading today about the Holy Spirit and all that He is to us—counselor, advocate, strengthener, helper, intercessor, guide, friend... We are never alone, even in our darkest hour. Thank you for these encouraging words!

Willie Harper

4/20/2021 02:37:18 pm

Hi Sophia I love your testimony please read 2Pet 1:10-11, Acts 2:1-47 With an emphasis verses 1-4, 38 and 47. And may the Lord bless you always with His always Revealing Love !

Stella

5/4/2021 10:46:38 pm

Âmen

Ballam Chowdhury

5/10/2021 09:51:22 am

Great may the Lord of gracious bless you

Janet

12/7/2020 01:33:46 am

Thank you very much for this post. I am blessed beyond measure. And I can boldly profess that through all my pains and struggles, through all my fears and tears, yet, I will rejoice in the Lord.

12/8/2020 06:01:49 pm

Studying Habakkuk was such an encouragement to me, Janet. I'm glad it was encouraging to you as well! Yet I will rejoice... :)

Salo

12/18/2020 06:00:14 am

My baby, 18 months old, had an accident and was in the hospital with a hemiplegie, paralized on his right sight. The Lord comforted me with a song of Maralyn Baker: " He gives joy to the hopeless, peace to the weary, and He binds up the broken hearted" And I rejoiced in Him...Now is he 39 years old and has a family of his own with 2 little children, 1 and 2 years old...God is good and always in control...

1/3/2021 09:32:53 am

What a beautiful song, Salo! " He gives joy to the hopeless, peace to the weary, and He binds up the broken hearted" <— I LOVE THAT! And what a lovely testimony of God's grace and mercy! Blessings to you and your family!

Gwendolyn Jones

1/19/2021 05:53:28 am

I am so glad that the Holy spirit guided me to this page. You have open up my mind and heart to receive this encouragement word that you so profoundly explained Habakkuk where people can understand it and apply it to our lives. I just happy that JESUS loves me. All praises belong to GOD.

2/2/2021 01:02:53 pm

We're so glad to have you here, Gwendolyn! Habakkuk is such an interesting book and study. There is so much for us to learn there!

Vikki

2/2/2021 08:30:12 am

Glory to God. We are studying The Scarlet Thread through The Bible by Matthew Jury and we are in the book of Habakkuk. The Spirit said to study it. I was afraid to. The Spirit spoke again and said look at this book. Thank God for obedience. God loves me (us) so much that He alone provides just what we need and sometimes don’t even know. Please pray for me because God is trying to grow me and I am afraid to rejoice. This is sad but it is the truth. May God Bless the space that He has allowed me to find to share with other believers. Yet, I will rejoice even in my fear and failures because of Christ who lives in me.

2/2/2021 01:05:44 pm

Glory to God, Vikki! I'm going to have to look that study up. I've not heard of it before now and it sounds interesting. I love this —> "God loves me (us) so much that He alone provides just what we need and sometimes don’t even know." It's so the truth! This too —> "Yet, I will rejoice even in my fear and failures because of Christ who lives in me." Prayers for you as you learn and grow in Him!

Pam Hahn

2/2/2021 12:15:13 pm

We just received a cancer diagnosis for my soul mate from first grade on! We’ve been married 44 years , have 4 Christ following kids and 14 grands. Life for us was just beginning in some ways as we retired after serving the Lord in many ways.We’ve had many trials in life but none like this! Today has been a hard day as I question what God is doing! Tims diagnosis is stage 4 and a rare, aggressive type of bladder cancer! I really loved this study and look for more from you! How we need Jesus in this dark time of our lives to hold us close! Thanks for being a vessel for Him to use in this way !

2/2/2021 01:10:49 pm

Pam, you and your soulmate are in my prayers today! I know this type of diagnosis can be frightening, but God is there. I promise! He promises!!! He will never leave you or forsake you. You know this. Now, I pray you will feel this! Feel His loving arms around you and His compassion and leading within the hallways of your life. I pray you will find wisdom and comfort for your new journey. May the Lord use this to further His Kingdom in places you never expected to go and in the lives of people you would have never met otherwise!!!

Harriet Staley

2/8/2021 08:30:36 am

Thank God for Habakkuh

1/8/2022 11:11:05 am

YES!! We have so much to learn from his story! Such a great comparison to how God loves each one of us.

memory link

2/15/2021 05:31:36 am

though l dont have the job l need, my fiance yet, my life seems to be stagnant l continue praise lord coz he knows where am going.

1/8/2022 11:12:43 am

"But He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10

Olivia

3/29/2021 04:16:43 pm

What blessed peace this has given me!

1/8/2022 11:13:40 am

I LOVE the book of Habakkuk, Olivia! There is so much for us to learn here!

Enoch Okoli

6/2/2021 01:22:32 pm

I am a strong believer that God is watching and He is in control of ALL that happen in all His Creation, including the Timing of all Events.
More recently I have been wondering, with all due reverence, why God continued to 'allow' Evil to go on in various parts of the world.

On 29th May 2021, I had a dream of someone who had 'passed on' referring me to "Habakkuk". I know this is one of the Books in the Bible but I have never opened or read it. On waking up, I got the Bible and opened "Habakkuk". I was surprised and relieved it has only 3 short Chapters and so I read the whole Chapters non-stop.
The message I could discern from what I read was shocking but provided some answer to the question I had asked God, as I stated above.
Patsy, having read your Thoughts on the "6 Things We Can Learn From Habakkuk", I am very convinced that it was the Holy Spirit that guided me to this your page which has given me more insight to understand why I was directed to read Habakkuk. In light of my present Spiritual Journey and events currently playing out, in my personal life and globally, your explanations resonate very well with me. Thank you so much.

1/8/2022 11:19:18 am

I am so glad you found the book of Habakkuk, Enoch! It is fascinating to me (and mysterious) how God lead us!

Pam

6/25/2021 09:14:35 pm

It moves me to leave my response after having read the thoughts and testimonials from everyone. I pray for everyone. God is truly AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL. Patsy your study on Habakkuk was clear and concise. Thank you.
Though my marriage ended and I walked away from everything,
Though the divorce cause me physical life threatening illness,
Though I find myself starting over,
Yet I will still rejoice in the Lord!!!! Glory and HALLELUJAH for the goodness of the Lord, because I look much better today than I did yesterday.

1/8/2022 11:22:29 am

Pam, I am currently reading through the book of Job and I believe he would say the same thing —> "Yet I will still rejoice in the Lord!!!!" In fact, HE DID!

Maryann Hemara

7/14/2021 05:40:12 pm

Thank you! That was easy to understand... Inspires me to search the scriptures with a fervor I didn't realize I had..
Bless you..

1/8/2022 11:24:48 am

I LOVE searching the Scriptures, Maryann! Every time I read through God's Word He shows me something different, something new and exciting. His Word is ALIVE and relevant to our everyday lives and it WILL NOT return void!

Nomzamo Ngcongo

1/5/2022 01:34:56 am

Amen thank you for the word of God.

I'm 33 years old and 6 years in Marriage with no babies its tough and painful 💔 😢 😔 😪 😪 but I will rejoice in the presence of the Lord.

1/8/2022 11:26:49 am

"... but I will rejoice in the presence of the Lord." <— YES! And remember Sara and Hannah. God is a miracle worker! Never forget what He's done is the past! NOTHING is impossible with Him. NOTHING!

Donnie Gray

8/16/2023 02:51:29 pm

I know what you are going through. We were married on June,10,1968. We had a miscarriage 6year, one year later we had our first child, a boy, Dwayne, then 6 years later we had our second miscarriage, but we almost gave up, but we had faith in the Lord Jesus, and 1year later, we had our second child, a girl, Dawn. My wife had decided to have her tubes cut and carderised, but, we prayed and God said we had another one coming. So we waited and about a year later we had the third miscarriage, a year later we had our lase child, Aaron. What I am trying to say is, Thank God for the three we had and for the other three we lost. We will see them in Heaven. We will still serve the Lord forever. Amen.!!!!!

Nithaniyal Nag

1/6/2022 11:10:30 am

God bless you for the sprit filled narration you have shared, Its very encouraging to hold on; his promises by faith not by sight.

1/8/2022 11:28:45 am

So glad to be an encouragement to you. God's Word is the REAL encouragement, to all of us! His promises are many. He is faithful!

Judith Nabors link

1/18/2022 12:50:35 pm

I was led to read Habakkuk 3:17-18 through the daily devotional I read by Sarah Young. I read these verses and then read Habakkuk’s prayer. I then read the whole book! I found it an amazing book full of encouragement in serving the Lord in hard times. Wanting to know more about Habakkuk I went to the Internet and found your page. Thank you for helping me understand this “minor”,(there are no minor prophets), prophet. I am in Christian counseling as my husband of 65 years died 2 months ago and I believe reading this will help me. God bless you🙏🏻

7/13/2023 10:23:54 am

Thank you, Judith, for sharing your experience and the impact that Habakkuk has had on you. I'm glad to hear that you found encouragement and support in serving the Lord during difficult times through the book of Habakkuk. It is indeed a powerful testament to faith and trust in God.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss. Losing a loved one can be incredibly difficult, and I admire your strength in seeking solace and guidance through biblical counseling and the study of God's word.

Habakkuk's message can be especially meaningful in times of grief and hardship, as it reminds us of the sovereignty of God and the importance of placing our trust in Him, even when we don't fully understand His ways.

May the words of Habakkuk continue to bring you comfort and strengthen your faith as you navigate this season of life.

May God bless you and provide you with the peace that surpasses all understanding. I know He can, and He will! Take care!

Debbie

5/24/2022 12:08:29 am

I read this book and went into depth of it to understand more. I felt like the Lord lead me to read this. There has been so much fighting with my family about my moms house and she’s still here with us.🥹😢 After reading this I will rejoice in the Lord through it all. 🙏

7/13/2023 10:33:34 am

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your experience with the book and how it has impacted you. It's wonderful to hear that delving into its depths has brought you a sense of guidance and comfort. It sounds like the timing of your reading couldn't have been more fitting, especially considering the challenges you've been facing.

Rejoicing in the Lord during difficult times can be a powerful source of strength and peace—the peace that passes ALL human understanding! The book seems to have provided you with a renewed perspective and a deeper connection to God. It's inspiring to witness how the Bible can profoundly touch our lives and offer peace in difficult circumstances.

May your journey continue to be guided by faith and bring you closer to the peace of God that you seek.

Wishing you all the best!! :)

Marie Renelle Kadima

7/23/2022 05:54:42 pm

God bless.

7/13/2023 10:34:05 am

God bless you as well, Marie!! :)

louise human

3/23/2023 09:33:40 am

thanks you all so much, really needed this encouragement, im a recovering alcoholic, so thanks, looking forward to this journey

7/13/2023 10:47:35 am

You're so very welcome, Louise! I'm glad to hear that the encouragement meant so much to you. Congratulations on your decision to embark on the journey of recovery. It takes tremendous strength and determination. Remember, you're not alone in this—God is with you. Stay strong and rest in Him.

douglas wynn link

10/16/2023 11:06:24 am

for years i have been randomly opening my bible to see what i need to read for my own good. it works every time! usually it follows an incident that i get an answer, very few times before. i believe this to be The Holy Spirit's way of making it stick in my head better. this morning was no different. i opened to the book of habakkuk, i mean really, you know how small a book that is, right? what an answer i got !!!!! praise GOD from whom all blessings flow !!!

1/21/2024 03:52:31 pm

That's a beautiful and personal way to engage with the Bible, Doug!! It sounds like a meaningful practice for you. The way you open the Bible at random moments, and the timing of receiving answers, does indeed evoke a sense of divine guidance. The Book of Habakkuk may be small, but it's amazing how profound and relevant the message can be. Praise God for the blessings and insights you've gained.

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6 Things We Can Learn From Habakkuk

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