God’s Got Me

Habakkuk 3:17–19 NIV

17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

Complaining

Being a parent I gotta read a lot of kids books. I read Goldilocks the other day. And as I was reading it I thought to myself, “wow! this story has like no positive teaching…” What I thought of after the book was this girl is a complaining thief!

Who is this rando on her merry little just casually trespassing and treating this family’s home like a complimentary bed and breakfast?? Crazy girl. In fact she must be so crazy that I don’t even expect her to say sorry, when she gets caught, but she could’ve at least said thanks!

Bad complaining

The issue that many of us have when it comes to giving thanks is quite simply we’re caught in a cycle of complaining. It’s something that really can affect anyone of any age and culture. Complainers are everywhere! Even among us!!

That quiet person sitting next to you might be deep down in their heart a certified whino.

The Bible actually tells us we shouldn’t grumble and complain against each other.

James 5:9 “9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”

Jesus called out his audience for having a complaining spirit in John 6:43.

We also know that the Israelites are ridiculed for their many complaints in times of trouble, that they caused themselves.

Correct way to complain

But the Bible actually tells us that we can complain to God. In fact we are encouraged to complain to God with one caveat - we complain in faith. When Davidwas hiding i

Psalm 142:2 “2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.”

Today we find ourselves in the book of Habakkuk. It's a very short but relatable book because although the prophet Habakkuk was speaking of a very literal and present situation where wars would occur and the stakes are global, there are truths we pull out of it.

A: Hab 1:1-4

Habakkuk first complains about the violence and sinfulness of Israel

B: Hab 1:5-11

The LORD answers that He is "raising up the Chaldeans — that ruthless and impetuous nation" to punish Judah

C: Hab 1:12 - 2:1

Habakkuk second complain/burden consist of a question as to why God would use such an evil nation to punish evil!!

D: Hab 2:2-20

The LORD answers that Babylon's success will only be temporary and that the oppressor/punisher of Judah will be punished

so what truths do I leave you with today:

That God listens.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer” (1 Peter 3:12)

That God’s acts always according to His will.

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. Psalm 115:3

That faith in God will never disappoint but always leads to thanks.

Isaiah 54 tells us that the shame God’s people feel now will one day be forgotten because of Jesus.