How Long, O Lord?
“ 2 How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and You will not hear? I cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ Yet You do not save. 3 Why do You make me see iniquity, and cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; strife exists and contention arises. 4 Therefore the law is ignored and justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice comes out perverted. ” Habakkuk 1:2-4
In the midst of a global pandemic, shutdowns, job losses, cities set ablaze, first responders and innocent citizens attacked or killed, fraudulent elections, unconstitutional acts, the silencing and cancelling of opposition, public promotions of immorality and debauchery, and the public support and protection of slaying innocents (abortion), we may feel as hopeless as the prophet Habakkuk.
Indeed, our situation in America seems to mirror the words of the prophet’s cry. Has the Lord abandoned us? Has He turned a blind eye to the sin and ruin? Have we reached a point of no return, of no longer worthy of our nation being saved and preserved? Is there anything we can do or look forward to?
Heed the words of the Lord spoken to Habakkuk!
“ 1:5 Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days – you would not believe if you were told… 2:20 But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him. ”
First, we must have unshakable faith that the God of the universe has not been dethroned; He is still in command! We trust His unfathomable wisdom when we do not understand. We are comforted by His unending grace and mercy.
Then, we are encouraged to stand and continue the Kingdom work through the love of Christ.
“ 1:4 Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith… 3:2 Lord, I have heard the report about You and I fear. O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known.”
So we shall live by faith. We will pray for revival. We will engage in His work. We will forever love our neighbors, even those who oppose Him. We will serve with humility and share the love of our Savior and the hope of the Gospel. We will not let the trifles of man nor the powers of darkness intimidate us into inaction nor provoke us unto malice. For we are “ not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation ” (Romans 1:16).
We will let the Spirit lead, the Sword of truth pierce, and the Gospel message convert as we faithfully serve all our days as He, and He alone, is worthy to be praised.
“ 3:18-19 Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength. ”
