Articles
Where Is God?
“Therefore, the law is ignored, and justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous, therefore justice comes out perverted” (Habakkuk 1:4 NASB). Repeated warnings from God’s servants, the prophets, failed to bring any real or lasting reforms. God’s people were slipping away from their Creator. The pagan Babylonians invaded the land, ushering in seventy years of captivity. It was not without warning that God’s own people, blessed people, would face the rigors of trial and persecution. Led by the wicked Jehoiakim, justice and righteousness were ignored; the innocent were exploited; selfishness dulled the hearts of God’s chosen (2 Chronicles 36:5-8; Jeremiah 22:13-19). Nebuchadnezzar looted the land of Promise; people and artisans and treasures from the temple were taken to Babylon. Yes, the Babylonian Empire would eventually fall (539BC); but, when? How long? Why not do something now? Lord, do you even know what is happening to Your creation? It seems so unfair.
When we are being oppressed or mistreated or even being severely persecuted, we ask: God, why are you allowing this to happen? Job asked similar questions; yet despite his horrors, he did not turn from God. The Psalms give voice to our doubts and questions. “I have seen a wicked, violent person spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil” (Psalm 37:35). Lord, what about this wicked man who is blessed and prosperous; he cares nothing for You? It is not fair! Why do I have to struggle to even exist; the wicked that have an abundance, often gained from cheating and stealing? Remember, though, that your rich enemies will die, too. “Do not be afraid when a person becomes rich, when the splendor of his house is increased; For when he dies, he will take nothing with him; His wealth will not descend after him” (Psalm 49:16-17). Envying the wicked can trip us. “But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, my steps had almost slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant as I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:3-4). Even when we face our own sins, are we as bad as everyone else?
Habakkuk asked: Lord, are you going to do something about the wickedness that surrounds us? Yes, the Lord says. In fact, I am doing something right now. You may not see what I am doing, but I set things right. I do not overlook sin. I am sending the Babylonians into the land. These invaders are wicked, vile, and cruel. No one will stand before them. Yet, they are My instruments, in My hands, to bring judgment into the land. Lord, what about the sins of these people? How can you use such sinful people? We have sinned; but surely we are not as bad as these people. After all, they worship idols.
Let us tread lightly when questioning God. Job’s wife said: Go ahead, curse God and die. Just get it over with. We might feel that way, especially in the throes of pain and suffering. Habakkuk calls for faith and trust in God. We must believe that God cares and knows what He is doing. “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My plan will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’” (Isaiah 46:10). While God is not obligated to explain Himself to us and His ways are often inscrutable, let us listen to Habakkuk and “live by faith.” “Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Romans 11:33).
