THE CONSISTENT GOD
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
There is never a moment when God acts without purpose in the situations we face.
In Hebrew, there are no permissive clauses as there are in English and other languages. So when Scripture says that God “caused” something— even evil, it is often a matter of translation. More accurately, we could understand it as “God allowed” rather than “caused,” recognizing His sovereignty without making Him the author of evil. Consider Job’s story. God did not cause the evil that came upon Job, but He allowed it, knowing Job was equipped to endure it (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
With this in mind, Habakkuk’s prayer reflects the same truth. The prophet, wrestling with why evil seems to prevail and why judgment comes, does not accuse God. Instead, he prays with understanding, asking God to reveal His purposes even as His judgment unfolds. Habakkuk recognizes that when there is a man to pray, there is a God who answers. His cry is simple yet profound: “In wrath, remember mercy.”
Child of God, let the same mind also be in you as you pray with understanding of God’s nature, sovereignty, love and all round goodness. Never judge God foolishly, even in your lament which is safe in His hands, although painful in the time being — let it be said of you that you didn’t transgress in prayer.
Prayer: My Lord, You are constant in every season, even when the world feels uncertain and Your purposes seem hidden. Teach me to trust Your heart when I cannot trace Your hand. When trials come and judgment unfolds, let me remember that Your mercy never fails. Revive Your work in my life, and help me rest in the assurance that all You allow, You redeem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Romans 8:28
• Job 1:21
• Isaiah 46:9
