The Book of Habakkuk is important because it shows us that it is permissible to question God ... if we do so with respect and reverence. It affirms that God is sovereign and omnipotent, and that He knows exactly what He is doing.

We just need to be still and know that He is at work. God always keeps His promises. He will always, inevitably punish the wicked.

Habakkuk respectfully questioned God, asking why God's people were suffering so much when nations around them were even more evil. He asked why God seemed to be allowing evil to go unpunished, but he channeled his frustrations into prayers and praise to God. How long would God allow evil to continue?

Habakkuk describes a prideful people being humbled while the righteous live by faith in God. Although God may sometimes seem silent in our world, He always inevitably brings justice. Habakkuk encourages believers to wait on the Lord, knowing that He will work all things for good.

In chapter 1, Habakkuk begins with him crying out to God for an answer to why God's chosen people are allowed to suffer and why evil seems to prevail. God had said that He would do amazing things, yet Israel's neighbors were great powers. Habakkuk asks, how long, Lord, must I call for help, but it seems that you do not listen?

In chapter 2, God answers Habakkuk and urges the people to be patient and to trust Him and He urges them to continue to have faith in His wisdom, sovereignty, and salvation. Be silent before the Lord. The proud are not right, but the righteous live by faith.

In chapter 3, Habakkuk writes a prayer declaring his faith in God even through the trials. Faith is the gift of God that sustains us throughout life. Habakkuk gives God the glory and praise for answering him, saying, Lord I have heard about you and I fear. Revive your work and make it known, and remember mercy.

The sovereign Lord is our strength. He enables us to go on to the https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.11.2/jquery.min.jss, to higher places where we will be set apart from the world. Sometimes, the way we have to go to get us there is through suffering and sorrow, but if we trust Him and rest in Him, we will always come out where He wants us.

Habakkuk's prayer of faith for the remainder of God's people in the face of great destruction is a witness of true faith and undying hope.

The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him. Stand in awe of His deeds. The sovereign Lord is our strength.