Why do You make me see iniquity?
Why do You tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me.
Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
– Habakkuk 1:3-4
It is disheartening to live in a world where justice is perverted, and God seems absent. And although I should not be surprised by the depths of depravity of those who live without godly restraint, some days I still am. Some days I wholeheartedly echo the prayers of Habakkuk, who took His complaints to Father and poured out his frustration and grief.
Why must we be subjected to such evil when I know God has the power to overthrow it?
How long must the righteous endure the harvest of seeds sown by wicked men?
When will God arise to take His rightful place of dominion?
Why are we forced to wait so long for our deliverance?
Amidst my “whys,” God remains the common denominator. No matter how much I struggle to find meaning for the madness of it all, my wondering ultimately rests with Him. And it is here that my anxious questions are absorbed by His presence, losing their power as they surrender to His.
It is calming to remember that Father is not unaware of the plight of the nations. He has not closed His eyes to the suffering of mankind. He sees the full scope of all circumstances with perfect vision and clarity.
There is a reason behind every bit of struggle surrounding us. There is also an appointed time for God’s deliverance and ultimate victory.
The One who created all things still reigns over it. And it is in this that I find my hope.
When I acknowledge God’s presence in everything, my anxiety dissipates regarding the current state of the world. Or this nation. Or my present circumstances. Or any number of trials pressing on every side.
In looking to God, I find Him to be more than sufficient.
Even when I don’t understand why things happen the way they do, I can choose to live by faith. Though all seems desolate, God’s hand is not shortened. There is always a reason to rejoice in the One who holds my salvation securely in His keeping. There is still the opportunity to choose joy and turn steadfastly toward praise, even as the world spins wildly out of control.
Finding reasons to praise God despite life’s hardships may not miraculously change our circumstances, but it will change us.
Though our culture’s morality shifts with every passing whim, we stand secure in a truth that is immovable — our God reigns.
Read it again with me, friends.
Our God reigns.
And because our Father stands secure, so can we.
It is wisdom that remembers things are not always as they appear.
God remains present even when He remains silent.
And one day, that silence will be shattered by heavenly triumph — for once and all.
How long, O Lord, must we wait for the day of Your deliverance?
Not one second more than necessary to redeem mankind according to Father’s perfect will.
Until then, I will take joy in the God of my salvation and trust Him to steady my heart by holding me close to His own.
I hope you’ll join me.