A husk of its former self, my heart remained tucked on the corner of a forgotten shelf. Fear stalked my steps and doubt chased close behind.
Where was God? Didn’t He hear my desperate cries for help when hope seemed lost?
God’s answers did not arrive in tidy boxes wrapped with pretty bows. Instead, heartache and hard work were required, and—in many ways—I disliked his response.
God’s answers did not arrive in tidy boxes wrapped with pretty bows. Instead, heartache and hard work were required, and—in many ways—I disliked his response. #answeredprayer Click To TweetBut I’ve learned that although I thought my faith had withered, I was engaged in what Pastor Daniel Rolfe labeled an “incongruent moment”. Faith did not die but I struggled to understand. Like the prophet of old, I asked, “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?” (Habakkuk 1:2 ESV)
Have you, too, knelt before God yearning for an answer? Are you in that position now? Perfect!
Keep reading and you will discover, through the book of Habakkuk, why you are exactly where you need to be.
5 Keys That Will Strengthen Your Hope
Embrace and Wrestle Often, Biblical names offer insight into a person’s character. Habakkuk’s name, which means to embrace and wrestle, reflects at least some of the inner struggle conveyed in the verse above.
Like us, he wrestled with the hard questions. At the same time, Habakkuk embraced God.
“Are You not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One?” (Habakkuk 1:12 NKJV)
Friend, if pain and struggle are part of your story right now, embrace and wrestle. Take your questions, prayers, and hurt to the One who can answer you when hope seems lost. He is able.
Take Up Position Habakkuk 2:1 reads, “I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me…”
Standing watch requires endurance and patience. A devotion to the Lord and the desire to make space for a holy encounter.
Standing watch requires endurance and patience. A devotion to the Lord and the desire to make space for a holy encounter. Click To TweetWrite the Vision Whether God answers in the quietness of your heart or gives you something more direct, I encourage you to record His answer to your prayer as Habakkuk did when he “made it plain on tablets” . (Habakkuk 2:2) They provide a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Though It Tarries, Wait for It Some of my prayers were answered within minutes while others moved with me through the decades. I lean on Bible verses like Habakkuk 3 to strengthen my hope, “Though it tarries, wait for it: Because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Rejoice in God Habakkuk rejoiced and offered God words of praise knowing the Babylonians would soon invade. That seems almost odd, doesn’t it? Except God’s man knew who holds the future. Whether he survived or not, Habakkuk was secure in the Lord’s hands.
We, too, can praise the Lord. He knows our situation and nothing about it intimidates Him. Like Habakkuk, we can sing, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.” (Habakkuk 3:18-19 NKJV)
A Prayer When Hope Seems Lost
Lord,
When we feel as though our hope is lost, help us to wrestle with the challenging questions of our faith. Teach us to lay them at your feet and embrace you, Father. Thank you for us loving us even in our frailty. Gird us up that we might endure, taking a faithful stand as we wait for your answer, Holy Spirit. We proclaim “the Lord is my strength” (Hab. 3:18) and choose to trust in you today.
In the powerful name of Jesus,
Amen
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Wow Tammy! This is SO good! I read it and then I read it a second time, out loud to my hubby. We never knew Habakkuk’s name meant wrestle and embrace and we love the word that God gave you to write here! We are in a waiting season ourselves and this really spoke to our hearts! Thank you my friend … 🙏❤️
Donna, I’m thankful my words encouraged you! It’s so difficult to be in the waiting season. I’m praying for you tonight.
Blessings to you, friend.
Tammy
I’m so grateful that the Lord is still near even in those times of wrestlings and struggles. I’ve had my fair share of those too. Taking just one step at a time is my saving grace in those seasons.
I don’t know how people make it through the difficult times without knowing Him. He is my shelter in the storm.
Blessings,
Tammy
Oh, this is powerful, Tammy! I’ve been in the place where all hope seems lost. We need to stand on these truths and not allow the enemy to lead us to despair in those times. Today, I’m reflecting on the hope that seemed lost in past seasons and how God has used those times to bring beauty from the ashes! He is faithful!
Yes, sweet friend. He is faithful! I’m so grateful other women remind me of His goodness every week.
Blessings to you today,
Tammy
What an encouraging post, Tammy! There is something I’ve been praying for that seems almost impossible, but I know nothing is impossible with God. As I pray and wait, I remember that His timing is perfect and He is working even if I can’t see. Thank you for sharing these truths from Habakkuk! Very timely. Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor this week at Anita’s place!
Gayl, I’m lifting you in prayer today as you wait for His answer. May He give you comfort and hope as you remember His promises.
Blessings to you, as well.
Tammy, this is such an encouraging post. Habakkuk is one of my favorite books of the Bible. I am so grateful we can take our questions, prayers, and hurt to the One who can answer even when we think hope seems lost, because the Lord will restore our hope.
Hi Joanne,
Habakkuk is an incredible book. I learned so much from the few verses I mentioned in this post and couldn’t agree more with what you’ve said. He is the God who restores hope. Thank you, Lord!
Tammy, I did not know what Habakkuk’s name meant! Wow! It’s so true, though. The faith life can be a wrestle. Looking back I can say He never left me down, but boy, going through a struggle sometimes it really made me wonder!
I’m reminded of the time when Jacob wrestled with God, as well. It seems that personal encounters occur in the hard places of wrestling even though the struggle can be painful.
Have a blessed day!
This really touched me! I love how you highlighted Habakkuk’s name. The Word of God is so powerful and pointing out small details like that can sure increase our faith. You encouraged me, today, and I thank you for that!
Hi Jennifer,
I am amazed by the power and depth of some of the names God’s men and women have in scripture. They are such a confirmation of His attention to seemingly insignificant matters. I am so grateful you found encouragement here!
Tammy, this is such a beautiful message. I especially love this, “Standing watch requires endurance and patience. A devotion to the Lord and the desire to make space for a holy encounter.”
Even now a friend stands watch in her emotional pain. She knows God will show up on her behalf. I’m looking forward to seeing what He will do.
Blessings to you,
Tammy