PRAISING GOD IN THE STORM

I Will Wait Quietly

We must learn to wait on the Lord, because it doesn’t come naturally.

In chapter 1 verse 2, the Lord had asked the Lord, “How long?”. In chapter 2 verse 3, the Lord told Habakkuk to wait for it, even if it seems slow. In this passage, we see Habakkuk taking that message to heart.

Philippians 4:11 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

Isaiah 66:2 “All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

We are strengthened and given peace as we wait and trust in the Lord.

The KJV says it this way: When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. 

Isaiah 30:15 “For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,”

See Isaiah 40:28-31...

Isaiah 26:3–4 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Remember, as we wait and rest in the Lord that we should be feeding our faith by filling our mind and heart with His Word. We must remind ourselves of who He is and what He has done!

I Will Rejoice in the Lord

The coming destruction and tribulation

See Deuteronomy 28:47-51...

The call to rejoice in the midst of the storms of life

Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” `

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Psalm 22:3 “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”

When the Lord is your joy, your joy can’t be taken away!

Psalm 37:4–5 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

Psalm 34:8 “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”

“The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows, but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams, but God is the ocean. Why should we labor for, or set our hearts on anything else, but that which is our proper end, and true happiness?” -- Jonathan Edwards

Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Rejoice in the Lord, take your joy from Him, and let Him be your strength.

See 2 Corinthians 12:8-10...

Psalm 73:25–26 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

See Philippians 3:7-11...

Psalm 16:1–2 “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.””

Habakkuk acknowledged the protection of God in every experience of life. “Surefooted, untiring, bounding with energy, the Lord’s people may expect to ascend the heights of victory despite their many severe setbacks. The heights of the earth, the places of conquest and domain, shall be the ultimate possession of God’s people.” — Kenneth L. Barker