How Long, O Lord? A Meditation on Habakkuk

In Habakkuk, the prophet cries out in a lament complaint twice, only to hear back from God a very unassuring response: Wait for me to answer.

And Habakkuk's complaints are legitimate. He is one of the faithful in Israel, and even though he knows Israel has its faults and is being punished by God for their infidelity, he also knows that Israel is better than the nations around them, if for no other reason than their special relationship with God. Yet, Habakkuk sees the "righteous" being destroyed by the wicked (in the first case, Assyria; in the second, Babylon). So he cries out to God.

At first he receives a satisfactory answer: God is raising up another nation to take out the wickedness of Assyria. But in between God's answer and the prophet's second complaint, something went horribly wrong, and Israel was once again accosted by brutality. Thus, Habakkuk's second complaint.

But the answer he receives this time is baffling. It comes almost as silence. "Wait," God says. "I assure you I will do something, but wait for it. Wait for me."

How long can we wait? As Christians, we read this and are still looking for God's action. Even the coming of Jesus didn't slow down the wickedness we see all around us. And, often times, this wickedness pervades our lives and slows us down. We see:

+ A brother in Christ passed over for a promotion because he won't flirt with his female boss

+ A sister in Christ ridiculed and left by her non-Christian husband

+ Christian teenagers ostracized at high school activities because they go to youth group on Friday night and not the drunken parties

How long, O God, before you set things right?

But as with Habakkuk, all we can do is wait, and rest assured in the meantime that God is working and that the arrogant will not endure (2:5). In the meantime, the righteous will live by their faithfulness (2:4).

So we set our hearts on God, make a commitment to him based on faith, and live our lives, knowing that in the end, God will set things right and reward our faithfulness to him.

Jeremy M. Hoover writes at his christian blog, christian blog

limousine Ackley .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

A virtual private network can help ensure your information remains security and your privacy remains intact. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Artificial intelligence-based cameras are giving air defense operators unprecedented capabilities in monitoring and protecting airspace.
Apple's iOS 18.1 Inactivity Reboot automatically reboots your iPhone if it hasn't been used or unlocked for more than three days, providing better data protection.
An inventor designed rooftop solar panels for a Tesla that draws solar energy while the car is parked, adding travel mileage without plugging in.
There are currently no laws governing what artificial intelligence can and cannot do with the information it gathers; here are 10 things to avoid telling AI chatbots to keep yourself safe.
A credit union with over 240,000 members recently revealed it was targeted by cybercriminals, resulting in a data breach that was part of a two-month attack by hackers.
Scammers have become skilled at creating convincing fake websites that can easily fool unsuspecting users. The CyberGuy offers tips to protect yourself.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
CAPTCHAs, which are used by websites to confirm whether users are people or bots, are harmless, but hackers are using them to infect PCs with malware.
Hackers recently leaked personal information of about 500,000 Americans and stole patient medical records that included lab results and insurance details.
The holiday season sees a rise in mobile shopping scams. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to stay safe.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a VPN enhances online banking security by encrypting data and protecting privacy.
Beware of these six sneaky holiday scams. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives you tips to avoid falling victim.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how to securely back up and factory reset your Android to protect your privacy and data.
Artificial intelligence is making life easier for cybercriminals, allowing them to create elaborate scams to trick people. Kurt the Cyberguy explains how to protect yourself.
Cut through all the digital clutter and delete multiple emails from your Android simultaneously. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how it's done.
Tips to prevent your holiday decorations from being stolen
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson lays out the immediate steps you should take if your phone has been hacked and your personal information becomes vulnerable.
Fraudsters are sending people bogus invoices through PayPal as part of a sneaky scam that is going around; here's how to protect yourself from being fooled.
A former Colgate-Palmolive employee was shocked to discover $750,000 had been drained from her 401(k) account. "CyberGuy" offers tips on how to prevent identity theft.
Electric vehicle maker Harbinger recently showed its electric delivery truck can handle icy roads with agility and stability in winter.
To make the busiest time of year more manageable, here are some tricks for tracking your packages, taking quality family photos and curating the perfect Christmas playlist.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to keep your online Amazon gift purchases a secret from loved ones or friends this holiday season.

10 Tips For Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is the process of inner awakening, and becoming... Read More

Do You Need An Answer About Life?

I was originally brought up Catholic, at the insistence of... Read More

Dear Lord

As I sit here and ponder my existence my heart... Read More

Using Your Spiritual Path Against Yourself

In looking back at my process over the years I... Read More

Do Unto Others Marketing

We've all heard the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as... Read More

What Part of Thou Shalt Not Dont You Understand?

Back in the days of the old law of Moses,... Read More

Selling Spiritual Stuff

Spiritual stuff is a hard sell Roy and one of... Read More

What Exactly is Grace?

This question, "what is grace" plagued me more into knowing... Read More

Your Attitude Determines Your Future

Do you realize you are creating your future by the... Read More

An Illuminatus Speaks

An Illuminatus Speaks:You will have to decide if this Illuminatus... Read More

Wanted: Floodlight Of Treasure To Undo The Works Of Darkness!

'Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in a day?... Read More

True Health

Some may ask, is there any truth to have a... Read More

Evangelical Skepticism: Pursuing Your Right To Be Wrong

Michael Shermer speaks with the energy and passion of an... Read More

Pray Without Ceasing

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,... Read More

Power of God Makes Life Easier

When the storms in your life are raging, just believe,... Read More

Insulting Spirit or Exposing the Me

While it isn't my intention to insult anyone (Alright, for... Read More

I?m Too Busy for Me

Everyone is busy nowadays. It's hard to find time for... Read More

Get Off The Freeway

Have you ever noticed how much our lives resemble a... Read More

Immaterial Gain

Among some of us who deem ourselves spiritual, the use... Read More

Christian Ethics & Servant Leadership in Todays Workplace & Society

Sundered Knight:Although the world, Denies the weak aid and justice,... Read More

Going Where God Leads You

I know God will not give me anything I can't... Read More

I Am Not An Island or What Does God Have to Do With Animals?

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the... Read More

Authentic Prayers

Do you go to God seeking His will for your... Read More

Oh, God. What Do I Do Now?

Uh, oh. I'm in trouble now. I found God. Now... Read More

What are Angels? Angelic Guidance Explained

Angels are making their presence felt everywhere. Once I started... Read More

shuttle from O'Hare Alexander ..