As you read today’s verse, what comes to mind? Are you picturing a time in your own life that Habakkuk’s words narrate precisely? Maybe these words mirror your current thoughts as you or a loved one endure physical or emotional discomfort. You might see widespread moral decay, injustice, or rebellion from God.

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There are many different ways we may find ourselves in a similar headspace as Habakkuk but today let’s focus on a particular line of questions rather than a multitude of circumstances: God do you hear me? Do you see what's going on? Why do you let this happen? How long will this go on before you respond?

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Extended periods of hardship may bring confusion, doubts, or a feeling of hopelessness. To a degree this isn’t surprising. After all, God created us for so much better than the brokenness. Yet, He will use it all to shape, teach, and lead us (and others) to himself. What if we changed our posture to one that seeks the good that God wants to do regardless of circumstance- God, why are you so patient? What do you want to do here? How will you redeem what is happening? Where am I missing what you're saying or doing?

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I’m not saying that you shouldn’t ask God a question. We must come before him sharing the honesty of our hearts, processing with him, and asking questions. God certainly hears our cries and is even more grieved by what is not right than we are. The truth is that he is patient. God certainly hears us, sees us, and deeply loves us. The proof of that is in Jesus’ sacrifice.

So what if we asked the question-God, am I listening to you?  

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Start with pouring your heart out to God. Go to the Father with a heart honestly sharing what's happening yet earnestly seeking to receive. He sees you and knows exactly what is going on- he wants to talk with you.

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Ask God what he wants to say to you or someone else. Let's face it, we all can end up completely missing what he is speaking to us when we are in the midst of feeling like something should have already happened, but God not hearing us cry out to him is a lie from the pit of hell. If we think about it, that scenario is way more likely to be the other way around.

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This may be really tough at first but trust in God’s sovereignty. This isn’t about ignoring or pretending but instead having faith that Lord will overcome, hope anchored in the certainty of his promises, resting in the confidence that he can use anything, and yielding your expectations.

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We aren’t promised that things will be easy but we know for certain that God will never leave nor forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:8

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Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.