The God Hugger’s Complaint: Wrestling with Evil
Habakkuk, derived from the Hebrew root “habaq,” encompasses the rich meaning of “embrace” or “clasp.” Therefore, the name signifies not only a divine hugger but also one who passionately clings to God, finding comfort and security in the steadfast embrace of the Almighty.
Habakkuk’s name affectionately known as the “God Hugger,” raises a poignant complaint to the Almighty. How does his struggle with the existence of evil resonate with the challenges believers face today?
Habakkuk’s wrestling with evil reflects the internal struggles many believers face when confronted with the harsh realities of the world. It serves as a reminder that questioning and seeking understanding are integral parts of the faith journey.
[Habakkuk 1:2-4 ESV] – “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.”
Hold on Habakkuk, God is in control. Cling tighter during trouble! Habakkuk needs a God-sized hug! Maybe you do too? Is life wearing you down? Is temptation grieving you sore? Are the consequences of your past too much to bear? Cling to the Lord tighter! Crawl up in his lap and let him hold you in His arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27 (ESV): The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, ‘Destroy.
Psalm 91:4 (ESV) He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Like a mother hen guards her chicks, God holds us close by His side, under His wing, near to His heart.
The embrace of faith – “The Just Shall Live by Faith”: A Timeless Declaration
Habakkuk that God hugger is raising a complaint to God. He is observing all the wrongdoing of the heathen Chaldean and asking God why does he allow it. He knows that God has ordained them to discipline Israel but doesn’t comprehend how bitter and dreadful they are allowed to be. It’s like that for us when we look at the behavior around us. How can people be so evil? Could it be that we are under discipline as well? However, Habakkuk stops mid-sentence so it seems to make this exclamation.
Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. Habakkuk 1:12
Let me just stop here and hug God for a minute! Lord, you are everlasting, ever-present, ever holy, You will not die, and we will not die until you say so, you are in control, and you are my Rock!!!!!!! Oh Lord let me crawl up next to you and get a hug. Things look really bad but You are really good.
This powerful statement transcends the Old Testament and echoes throughout the New Testament. How does Habakkuk’s declaration shape the foundational principles of Christian living, and what does it mean for us to live by faith?
Habakkuk’s declaration becomes a rallying cry for believers, emphasizing that faith is not only foundational but also transformative in living out the Christian life. It challenges believers to trust in God’s sovereignty even when circumstances seem uncertain. Amidst our doubts and fears, God remains steadfast.
[Romans 1:17 ESV] – “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'”
Revival in the Heart of the Prophet: A Call for Spiritual Awakening
in Habakkuk 3:2 (ESV): O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.
In this verse, Habakkuk is calling on God to revive His work in the midst of difficult times. Listen to the heart of Habakkuk in his plea for revival. Lord, please send us revival. We are oppressed and afflicted by evil and indifference. Awaken within us a new zeal. Rekindle the fire. Lord remember mercy. Lord be merciful in your judgment. Send mercy to our hearts and our nation, What can we learn from his understanding of revival, and how does it align with the ongoing need for spiritual awakening in our lives?
Habakkuk’s call for revival resonates with the New Testament exhortation for us to be fervent in our faith and committed to the Great Commission. His understanding of revival emphasizes the need for God’s supernatural intervention in transforming lives.
[2 Timothy 1:6 ESV] – “For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
The Joyful Resilience of the God Hugger: Rejoicing Amidst Adversity
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Can you hear the unwavering joy of Habakkuk as he chooses to rejoice in the face of adversity? How does his resolute joy become a rallying cry for New Testament believers, challenging us to maintain gratitude and praise in all circumstances?
Habakkuk’s joy serves as inspiration for us as Christians, urging us to cultivate a spirit of rejoicing anchored in the unchanging character of God. It challenges us to find strength and joy in God despite external circumstances.
[Philippians 4:4 ESV] – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Embracing the Lessons of Habakkuk
Can we embrace the lessons of Habakkuk? Can we embrace God’s plan even when it means suffering? How can his experiences and declarations serve as a guide for Christians today? Habakkuk reminds us of the enduring nature of faith, the call for revival, and the unshakeable joy found in the embrace of the Almighty.
The faith journey of the God Hugger encourages believers to embrace questioning, trust in God’s sovereignty, actively pursue revival and find joy amidst adversity. The lessons of Habakkuk inspire a resilient and transformative faith that stands the test of time.
[James 1:2-3 ESV] – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
When the storm is raging the vine clings tighter to the tree. As the old song says, “Hold me fast let me stand, in the hollow of thy hand, keep me safe till the storm passes by.” Hold tight, God’s got you!