| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Deep Discipleship” Our Bibe verse for today: “How long, Lord, must I call for help and you do not listen?” Habakkuk 1:2 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Is God even listening?” Have you ever had the sensation that your prayers rise about ten feet above your head, hit the ceiling and bounce right back down, without ever getting close to God in heaven? Yeah, me too. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk certainly felt that way. Habakkuk lived and ministered about 600 years before the time of Jesus in the land of Judah. The majority of Habakkuk’s ministry took place shortly after good king Josiah had been killed in battle. Josiah was then followed in quick succession by three sons and a grandson, all of whom were inept and proved themselves to be bad kings. Also, the land of Judah was being threatened on all sides by encroaching enemies. Verse 1:2 clues us in to the fact that Habakkuk had been calling out in prayer to God for help but God seemed silent and perhaps even absent. Habakkuk essentially said, “God, are you even listening to me?” The rest of the short book records God’s response to that cry and Habakkuk’s response to God’s response. In 1:5 God said to him, “Look at the nations and observe – be utterly astounded! For I am doing something in your days that you will not believe when you hear about it.” In response to that, in 2:1, Habakkuk said to himself, “I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the lookout tower. I will watch to see what he will say to me and what I should reply about my complaint.” In 2:4 the Lord reminded him, “But the righteous one will live by faith.” Then God showed him a vision of the not-to-distant future when the enemies of God’s people would be defeated. Then in chapter three Habakkuk rejoiced and worshiped God. God was listening after all. He was present and He was at work behind the scenes the whole time bringing about events that would further His own plan. The same is true in our nation today, and in our individual lives. God is present, He is listening, and He is working, even if it might not seem that way. Just like in the days of Habakkuk, perhaps God is preparing to do something truly amazing in your life, in your family, in your church, or in your nation. As bad as things may sometimes look, God is still sovereign, the sky is not falling, all is not lost, and ultimately God wins. Also, Romans 8:28 is still true: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Is God even listening? Yes, my friend, He is. He is present, He is listening, and He is working. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
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