When God Doesn't Make Sense (Habakkuk 1:1–11) WHY We cry out, but God seems silent Habakkuk 1:2-4 How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. Job 7:11 “Therefore I will not keep silent I will speak out in my anguish of my spirit I will complain in the bitterness of my soul…” Jeremiah 12:1 You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. YET I would speak with you about justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? Jeremiah 15:18 “Why is pain unending and my wounds grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.” We feel anguish not because we don't care whether God is involved in life here on earth or not, but precisely because we believe that He is...but cannot see how. Psalm 145:17-20 The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth...The Lord watches over all who love Him… He answers in ways we don't Habakkuk 1:5-11 Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own. They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor. . . .they all come intent on violence. Their hordes advance like a desert wind and gather prisoners like sand. . . . Then they sweep past like the wind and go on— guilty people, whose own strength is their god. Habakkuk 2:3 For 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. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness… You can God even when you can't Him "We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to." ~ C.S. Lewis ~ "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply." ~ A.W. Tozer ~ 1 Peter 4:12–13 “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal… as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ.” Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” 2 Timothy 3:12 Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. John 16:33b “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 1 Peter 5:10 After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace . . . will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. "Do not fret..." Hebrew: "charoh" ~ "...to be kindled." ~ "Trust in the Lord..." "Take delight in the Lord..." "Commit your way to the Lord..." "Be still before the Lord..." "Wait patiently for Him..." Psalm 37:23-24 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who DELIGHTS in Him, though he may stumble, he will not fall. Psalm 37:39-40 The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord, He is their stronghold in times of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them, because they take refuge in Him. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything...but in EVERY situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends ALL understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 1:33 “But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”