Habakkuk

Even Though

Habakkuk wrote during the time of Assyrian domination of Judah.  He is direct with God, asking the Lord "How long must I cry for help?"(1:2).  Habakkuk was upset that Judah remained under judgment from God and that the Lord allowed the Babylonians to continue to persecute them.  The Lord assures the prophet that the Babylonians are only a tool used for judgment and that they will not go unpunished (2:6-17).

Habakkuk slowly begins to understand how the Lord works.  He expresses that "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms and there are no grapes on the vine;" (3:17a)  meaning that Judah currently bears no evidence of Godly fruit and "even though the olive crops fail, and the fields lie empty and barren"(17b) meaning there is no oil of the spirit present and there is no way for Judah to feed herself.  "Even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty."(17c) meaning there are no sacrificial animals.  In spite of this, Habakkuk "will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" (3:18)

In the face of dire circumstances, those faithful to the Lord will not be disappointed.