It is Black History month, and we honor those who came before and helped open the path for light in the darkness. There are still obstacles on the road to Victory. Now you may think this verse does not seem to describe Black History. However, it talks about overcoming adversity and still finding joy amid setbacks and adversity. We have a lot of setbacks and hardships in the world, and transparently speaking, it sometimes breaks my heart.

I often wonder how the old stalwarts would feel in the present day. Is humanity as a whole progressing towards Victory with the Lord or apart? With social, economic, and physical injustice still rampant in the world, I wonder if it would be heartbreaking or encouraging to them. Don’t get me wrong, we have made strides for all humanity, but there is still a long way to travel. Not only here in the States but for the whole world – we are all God’s creation, and He desires unity in our lives.

This passage is interesting because it comes on the brink of punishment for Judah for their disobedience. I am sure the Old Testament prophet did not understand why God would allow such violence and injustice to go on, but Habakkuk accepted when the Lord answered. Judah faced an invasion from the Babylonian army, and they had to rebuild and trust God’s sovereignty. Perhaps you are questioning the Lord about something in your life; remember, the Lord is sovereign. Sovereign means ultimate power and all authority. It was not easy for the weeping prophet to sit by and see all that was happening to his people primarily due to their disobedience but he found encouragement in one thing – the Lord.

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

~ Habukkuk 3:18 ~

Today as we close out this month, let us remember a few things from Habakkuk. First, our feelings must not be controlled by the events around us but by our faith in Almighty God. We can overcome anything with the Lord. No matter what is happening personally or what we see, we must keep the faith, friends. Second, when nothing makes sense and adversity we face seems more than we can bear, remember that God gives strength. That means He will empower us to endure and, like Habakkuk, learn to encourage ourselves in whatever we face. Sometimes when I hear about a senseless act or the negativity in our world, I have to motivate myself by remembering the Lord is Sovereign and is still in control. Learning to pray through our rough times draws us closer to the Father.   

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ~

Habakkuk expresses complete confidence in our Lord. He closes this passage by presenting certainty as a surefooted deer across rough, dangerous territory that shows no fear or concern as they travel. There is no fear friend because the Lord has given the Holy Spirit that provides us with sheer confidence in moments of uncertainty. It does not matter what you are facing today or from years before; I want you to rest in this passage today because the Lord is concerned about you, and he will provide.