True Worship

INTRODUCTION

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!"

Many times, we hear someone say something like:

"I got the promotion; God is good!"

"The cancer is gone; God is good!"

"My child came back to the Lord; God is good!"

"Our marriage was saved; God is good!"

But how often do we hear something like this?

"I was let go from my job; God is good!"

"We thought he was getting better, but he took a turn for the worse and died; God is good!"

"My child was arrested last night; God is good!"

"My spouse left me for someone else; God is good!"

The goodness of God is not dependent upon our current set of circumstances. God is good, even when we struggle to see it.

As we conclude our series on 5, you will see that Habakkuk is not the same person he was at the beginning of the book.

Habakkuk has brought his request to God in prayer.

In placing it before God, he has been led into a profound experience of God's majesty, during which he has been brought face to face with God in his awesome, though necessarily hidden, power over nature and over nations.

He now describes the impact of this prayer encounter with the living God.

He has been profoundly challenged and, indeed, changed by this time in the place of prayer.

The Habakkuk, who speaks in verses 16-19, is a very different person from the Habakkuk to whom we were introduced at the beginning of the book.

The ending of Habakkuk is inspiring and an example of what it means to experience and live a life of true worship.

the Big Idea to day is: Worship is not about the moment; it’s about the lifetime.

Let's open our passage together.

Habakkuk 3:17 (NET 2nd ed.)

17 When the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines; when the olive trees do not produce and the fields yield no crops; when the sheep disappear from the pen and there are no cattle in the stalls—

SERMON

I. True worship is not affected by circumstances.

What a change of tune from Habakkuk.

In the book of Habakkuk, we witness the prophet's struggles and questions in the face of challenging circumstances.

However, one key lesson we can draw from Habakkuk's journey is that external circumstances should not sway true worship.

Regardless of the challenges or uncertainties surrounding us, our worship should remain steadfast, rooted in faith and trust in God.

Habakkuk 3:17 starts one of the Bible's most beautiful declarations of true faith and worship.

Habakkuk declares that even if the fields and trees don't produce any fruit and the cattle aren't productive, he will still rejoice in the Lord.

The end of the book points to Habakkuk's transformation.

He has moved from saying, in chapter 1, "God, do you even care what's happening here?" to saying, in chapter 3, "God, regardless of what I see with my eyes, I will worship you!"

BAD STUFF COMING!

In Jewish thought, wealth and prosperity were signs of God's blessings and were reasons to praise God.

In the of Jesus, that thought was still the prevailing wisdom.

This is why the story of Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26 was so confusing to the disciples because of what Jesus said in verses 23-24.

Matthew 19:23–24 (NET 2nd ed.)

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven!

24 Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God.”

How can that be if wealth was a sign of God's favor and blessing?

Matthew 19:25–26 (NET 2nd ed.)

25 The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard this and said, “Then who can be saved?”

26 Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.”

Habakkuk acknowledges that things will get bad, but he will not let that fact detract him from worshipping God!

Habakkuk uses a series of six clauses to show the gravity of how difficult things will be with the coming of the Babylonians.

The six clauses in Habakkuk 3:17 represent a comprehensive depiction of adversity and loss in different areas of life.

Let's break down each clause and explore their symbolic meanings:

1. "Though the fig tree should not blossom": The fig tree symbolized prosperity and abundance in the ancient Near East. Its failure to blossom represents the absence of fruitfulness and economic decline.

2. "Nor fruit be on the vines": Vines were essential for producing grapes, a significant agricultural commodity. The lack of fruit on the vines signifies the loss of agricultural productivity and the resulting scarcity.

3. "The produce of the olive fail": Olives were vital for oil production and sustenance. The failure of olive produce further emphasizes the dire condition of agricultural devastation.

4. "And the fields yield no food": This clause encompasses the broader impact of unproductive fields, encompassing the failure of various crops and a severe shortage of sustenance.

5. "The flock be cut off from the fold": The loss of the flock represents the collapse of the livestock industry and the absence of animal resources, which were crucial for food, clothing, and economic stability.

6. "And there be no herd in the stalls": This final clause signifies the complete absence of cattle, indicating a profound economic loss and a lack of resources for agricultural work and transportation.

Together, these six clauses paint a comprehensive picture of a society facing overwhelming adversity and loss in various aspects of life—agriculture, economy, and sustenance.

This is a vivid description of the results of the "scorched earth" policy of the Babylonian invaders.

The end result of such destruction would be starvation and death to tens of thousands of the population.

Everything of value that could be transported would be carried away by the ruthless invaders, and what remained would be wantonly destroyed to make the lands uninhabitable.

By vividly describing these hardships, Habakkuk captures the depth of the crisis and sets the stage for his declaration of unwavering faith and worship in the following verses.

These clauses serve as a powerful backdrop to emphasize the strength of Habakkuk's trust in God, as he chooses to find joy and rejoice in the Lord despite the dire circumstances.

It is easy to praise God when things are going well.

I stated this in an earlier message; however, can you raise a hallelujah in the middle of a storm?

Habakkuk's nation would be close to being destroyed; life would not be easy.

Circumstances cannot sway true worship!

Let's move to verse 18.

Habakkuk 3:18 (NET 2nd ed.)

18 I will rejoice because of the Lord; I will be happy because of the God who delivers me!

II. True worship springs out of a correct perspective on life.

Despite the trauma the nation would endure, why will Habakkuk be able to rejoice?

Habakkuk can rejoice because he has the correct perspective on life.

Habakkuk says he will rejoice because of the Lord!

Habakkuk 3:18 moments won't usually happen in our lives without Habakkuk 3:1–16 moments: moments when we remember the goodness and faithfulness of God in the past.

Moments when we acknowledge that God has a different perspective from ours.

Moments when we decide to trust him, even when we don't like or understand what's going on.

Learning to worship God in the good times prepares us to worship God in the difficult times.

You do not know how strong you are until you face resistance!

The storms of life either help make you stronger or they will destroy you.

What determines which way the storms affect you?

Perspective!

Habakkuk says he will rejoice because of the Lord, not any other reason.

Verse 18 encapsulates the essence of true faith and worship amid adversity.

In the simple declaration of verse 18, Habakkuk showcases his unwavering trust and commitment to God, regardless of the difficult circumstances surrounding him.

The contrast between the challenging realities described in the previous verses and Habakkuk's response to them reveals Habakkuk's decision to rise above the circumstances and choose a posture of rejoicing and joy in the Lord.

Habakkuk's choice to rejoice in the Lord is not based on the absence of trials or the presence of favorable conditions.

It is a deliberate act of faith, where he consciously shifts his focus from the visible circumstances to the invisible, yet ever-present, God.

He recognizes that true joy and fulfillment are found in a relationship with the God of his salvation.

Verse 18 serves as a powerful reminder for us today.

True worship and faith are not contingent on external factors but are rooted in our trust and reliance on God.

We are called to look beyond the challenges we face and fix our gaze on the faithfulness and goodness of God.

Habakkuk's declaration reveals a deep understanding of God's character as the source of salvation.

He acknowledges that it is God who delivers, rescues, and brings salvation to His people.

By finding joy in the God of his salvation, Habakkuk affirms his confidence in God's ability to provide, protect, and sustain him through the trials he encounters.

In a world where circumstances can fluctuate, and challenges can be overwhelming, Habakkuk's example teaches us the power of choosing joy and rejoicing in the Lord.

We are encouraged to anchor our faith on the unchanging nature of God and find our ultimate satisfaction in Him.

May we, like Habakkuk, make a conscious decision to rejoice in the Lord and take joy in the God of our salvation, regardless of the hardships we face.

Let our worship and faith be marked by unwavering trust, knowing that God is our source of joy, strength, and deliverance in every situation.

Let's drop to verse 19.

Habakkuk 3:19 (NET 2nd ed.)

19 The Sovereign Lord is my source of strength. He gives me the agility of a deer; he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain. (This prayer is for the song leader. It is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)

III. True worship happens when we focus on the one true God.

Who and where is Habakkuk placing his focus during the impending doom he and the nation will face?

His focus is on God and what God does for him!

Habakkuk 3:19 shows us the result of verses 17–18.

When we rejoice in the Lord regardless of what we are experiencing, He strengthens us and enables us to go to higher places than we can on our own.

Most seasoned Christians have encountered a crisis of belief at some point in their lives: a season when they struggled to see God in the midst of their suffering when they wondered if God was listening to their prayers.

But in that trial, their faith grew and developed.

Maybe the difficult times even gave them a platform and an understanding to minister to other people going through difficult seasons.

The writer of Hebrews says we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus went through many of the same things we do.

Hebrews 4:15 (NET 2nd ed.)

15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.

It is good to know that Jesus gets us that He can relate to what we face in life.

Trust is one of the foundations of true worship.

It's worshipping without knowing how things will end.

It's trusting through the windshield ahead that will only really make sense in the rear-view mirror.

Many times, we seek clarity before we allow ourselves to trust.

We say to ourselves, "If I knew how this was going to end, I would have an easier time trusting."

The more we worship, the more we spend time in the Word of God, the more time we spend in prayer, the more we actively pursue the leadings of the Holy Spirit, the more time we spend in community with other believers, the more intentional we will be in looking for God in all situations.

These practices help our trust to increase.

Habakkuk 3:19 concludes the book of Habakkuk with a powerful declaration of trust, strength, and unwavering faith in God. Let's explore this verse and uncover its significance.

The verse states:

Habakkuk 3:19 (NET 2nd ed.)

19 The Sovereign Lord is my source of strength. He gives me the agility of a deer; he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain.

In this verse, Habakkuk acknowledges God as his ultimate source of strength and attributes his ability to overcome challenges to the empowering presence of God in his life.

By proclaiming that "the Sovereign Lord is the source of my strength," Habakkuk affirms his dependence on God's power and might.

He recognizes that his strength is insufficient to navigate his difficulties.

Instead, he finds strength in his relationship with God, trusting that God will equip him with the necessary resilience and fortitude.

The imagery of having feet like the deer's is significant.

Deer are known for their agility, speed, and ability to traverse challenging terrain effortlessly.

By comparing his feet to those of a deer, Habakkuk expresses his confidence that God enables him to walk with grace and stability even on treacherous paths.

This imagery suggests that God strengthens Habakkuk and guides and empowers him to navigate life's challenges skillfully.

Moreover, the phrase "He enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain" conveys the idea of victory and triumph.

It implies that God elevates Habakkuk to places of prominence and authority despite his obstacles.

This phrase signifies that God uplifts His faithful servants, granting them victory over their adversaries and enabling them to rise above challenging circumstances.

Habakkuk's declaration in this verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today.

It reminds us that true strength and victory come from our reliance on God.

When we trust Him, He empowers us to overcome obstacles, walk confidently, and reach new heights.

Habakkuk's example encourages us to find our strength in God in a world where we may face adversity, uncertainties, and trials.

It inspires us to trust in His power, guidance, and provision.

As we surrender our own strength and lean on Him, God equips us to face challenges head-on and experience His victory in our lives.

CONCLUSION

One of the most profound things about the book of Habakkuk is that the situation didn't change from chapter 1 to chapter 3.

What did change was Habakkuk's response to what was going on.

He moved from a place of frustration to a place of worship.

Habakkuk is a book that encourages us as believers that we can take our frustrations and our questions to God.

Habakkuk encourages us to grow in our trust and faith as we continue to seek Him through the difficult seasons.

This kind of faith causes us to respond differently to difficulty than those who don't know Christ.

Application Point: Learning to worship, regardless of circumstances, will deepen your faith and relationship with God.

True worship is centered on God and God alone. Our current set of circumstances should not impact true worship.