Sermon Title: Where are you, God?
Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-4 (NIV)
Contributed by Rev. Jason S. Wakefield
How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? —Habakkuk 1:2
Complaining about your circumstances was not really tolerated in my family. I can remember moments in my childhood where I wanted to complain, voice some displeasure, but stopped myself. Complaining about the food, or how cold or hot I was feeling, would likely fall on deaf ears. I certainly would never complain about being bored because that would be an invitation for my parents to fill my time with unwanted chores. So, I learned it was best to keep quiet and not complain.
In Christian culture, many have been taught that complaining is something to avoid because it is a sin, not very Christian-like, or demonstrates a lack of gratitude. We should have joy and be at peace in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. And this is true! Indeed, Paul says, “Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Thess 5:16-18).
But the Bible is filled with complaining and lament. Scripture is filled with countless examples. In Abraham’s family there were family members voicing their frustrations. Because God’s people were grumbling, they wandered forty years in the wilderness. The Psalms are full of complaints, and the Old Testament prophets had complaints as well. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and many others complained about the circumstances of God’s people.
Habakkuk was a prophet in Judah. He lived several decades before the Babylonians exiled the Southern Kingdom and laid siege to Jerusalem. Their exile was a result of their disobedience, and as we read in our verses today, Habakkuk was complaining. God’s people were wrong in their disobedience to God, and the enemies of God’s people are doing wrong as well. Habakkuk wonders if God is paying attention. Is God listening? Is God going to do something to rescue God’s people? Listen to the words of the prophet: “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted” (Habakkuk 1:2-4).
The circumstances are bad! Really bad. But let me say this—Habakkuk is complaining to the right person. He directs his words to the Almighty. We must do the same. David Powlison in his excellent book Good and Angry writes, “Angry people always talk to the wrong person. They talk to themselves, rehearsing the failings of others. They talk to the people they are mad at, reaming them out for real and imaginary failings. They talk to people who aren’t involved, gossiping and slandering. But chaotic, sinful, headstrong anger starts to dissolve when you begin to talk to the right person – to your Shepherd, who sees, hears, and is mercifully involved in your life.”
Habakkuk sounds angry, and is indeed complaining, but he is doing the right thing by bringing his complaint to God. Habakkuk’s frustrations, fears, and lament over injustice find their way to the heart of God the Father. In God’s time and in His way, all that is wrong and evil in this world will be set right. Let us follow Habakkuk’s example and know that our words do not fall on deaf ears. We can trust God who is our faithful Shepherd. Praise be to our Lord and Savior.
Consider—
╬ When you are frustrated and afraid, who do you tell? When you are grieving injustice and have a deep sense that “it’s not supposed to be this way,” who do you tell? If you tell the “wrong person,” how satisfied do you feel? Do peace and trust come as a result?
╬ Spend some time in the Lament Psalms: Read through Psalm 5, 13, 64, 102. Also, read through Psalms of Declarative Praise: Psalm 8, 9, 32, 47, 48, 62, 103, 108. Both types of Psalms give voice to the heart and mind of God’s people. Cry out to God with your lament and with your praise. Both lead us into worship of the Living God.
╬ God our Father, Jesus our Savior, and Holy Spirit our Truth-teller, hear our prayer. Jesus, you are our Good Shepherd. You hear us and see us in our present difficulties. You are merciful and compassionate and slow to anger. Thank you that we can share our laments and frustrations. Lord, may we not sin by complaining to the wrong person, but direct our hearts and minds to you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.