How Long, Lord? #3

 Read Habakkuk 3

Background: God and Habakkuk had been having quite a conversation.  When Habakkuk asked God how long until He did something about all the evil in Judah, God told him Babylon would soon be used of Him to take care of the situation. Habakkuk then questioned God about how long until the even more evil Babylon would be judged, and he was urged to be patient and trust in God's justice and timing. Habakkuk now does what we all should in such situations: he pours out his heart in prayer in the form of a psalm. He begins by submitting himself reverently to the Lord's timing, then asks for God to still show His mercy. He recounts the great victories of God over Israel's enemies and the awesome power God has shown. He is left totally shaken in God's holy presence.  

Key verses: 

17 Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
19 God, the Lord, is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the deer's;
    he makes me tread on my high places.

Thoughts: These verses form the conclusion to the prophecy.  Even though he is trembling with fear over what lies ahead, Habakkuk also finds joy in knowing that he serves the true and living God, who has it all under control. He realizes that even though there are rough times ahead, God will give him the strength and provision he needs no matter how tough things may get.  God had heard his cry and answered with the truth, and that's what he needed to hear.