It Can’t Get Any Worse!

Isn’t this something we say to ourselves (or, to each other) as we view our country and our world today?  And, then we get up the next day and lo and behold, something even more bizarre has happened overnight.  Yet, we continually repeat our statement because we are so appalled.

I’ve never been known for my patience so I confess to thinking, “If I were God (NOT!), I would have put an end to this long ago.”  This is why Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow about His promises, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wanting for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Since things seem so crazy these days (common sense now so UNcommon), I decided to re-read one of my favorite books of the Bible.  Listen to the identifiable frustration spoken by the prophet, Habakkuk (1:2-4)

“How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but You do not listen?  Or, cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ but You do not save?”  (This is how we often feel).  “Why do You make me look at injustice?  Why do You tolerate wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife and conflict abounds.”  (Everyone taking sides and screaming at each other).  “Therefore, the law is paralyzed and justice never prevails.   The wicked hem in the righteous so that justice is perverted.”

Indeed.  The murder rate in our cities is off the charts.  Police risk their lives every day to find the criminal element and bring them to justice only to have a judge let them go.

Oh, by the way, this book was written – not in 2025 but in 607 B.C.   And, yet, here we are…

Listen to God’s response in verse 5:

“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed.  For I am doing something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told.”

God explains His plan but Habakkuk comes back with another question (1:13)

“Why, then, do You tolerate the treacherous?  Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?”

Speaking of treacherous:  why do our politicians think more of themselves and their own positions rather than the common worker who gets no check while the government is shut down?  This includes our military, our air traffic controllers, our TSA workers at airports.

Yet, unlike us, Habakkuk waits for God’s reply which comes in 2:2-3.

“…the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.  Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

A series of woes follow and then the promise (2:14):

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

How refreshing!

Habakkuk then offers a prayer (3:2):

“Lord, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds, O Lord.  Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”  And, in v. 13:  “You did go forth for the salvation of Your people…You did strike the head of the house of evil.”

At this reminder and realization, the prophet basically proclaims (no matter how bad things may appear)

“…yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be joyful in God my Savior.”  (v. 18).  Oh, that we could be like Habakkuk.

Can it possibly get any worse?  Maybe.  Possibly.  But, what did God tell Habakkuk?

“Though it lingers, wait for it.”  And, in the meantime “rejoice in the God of (our) salvation.”

I’m glad I’m not God.  And, I’m thankful that He IS.  In the midst of the chaos, vitriol and confusion, may we be encouraged.  He is still working.

“For I am doing something in your days you would not believe if you were told.”  (Habakkuk 1:5)

“Your word is truth…”  (John 17:17)