One thing, however, is clear: When we see misery overshadowed by worship in a person of faith, we stand in wonder. We admire those, who while their world is caving in, continue to look upward and whisper, “I will continue to praise my God for His goodness and grace!”

Job certainly comes to mind. Godly man. Conscientious father. Successful businessman. Then in rapid succession he loses his fortune and his family—but not his faith! In the midst of unimaginable darkness, Job continued to worship (1:21). Though slumped to the ground in tears, he simultaneously moved to his knees in worship.

Another Man’s “Why?” Question

But Job is not the only one to wrestle with hard questions and painful circumstances, yet continue to cling to God. Another is seen in a man we call a minor prophet who came to God with a major question. In the small book bearing his name, Habakkuk has looked upon his world in Judah and witnessed wickedness, violence and injustice (1:3-4). His opening question, “How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and You not hear” (1:2) indicates he’s been struggling with God’s apparent inaction for some time. However, as the Lord answers the prophet’s concerns, Habakkuk will not like the response.

Even if God had told him, he wouldn’t have believed it (1:5). The Lord promises to rectify the problem of Judah’s sin by using the Chaldeans as a divine tool of judgment. The Chaldeans? The same nation who butchered their enemies? The same folks who worshiped idols and sacrificed their infants? The people who exhibited no conscience, no remorse, and no reluctance to overrun and destroy any nation that stood in its way? Habakkuk’s question is no longer, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, but “How can God allow horrible things to be inflicted on sinful people by even more sinful people?” The prophet doubts God’s wisdom—and His justice.

Shock Waves

As he looks to navigate through these serious questions, he seeks to reestablish some safe and comfortable “footing” by stating what he knows (1:12-13). “Are you not from everlasting?” God is not ignorant of what the Chaldeans might do to Judah (“My Holy One”). He is not like other gods, but is seated far above humanity, immune from its whims and ideas. God has “appointed” and “established.” Habakkuk confesses that he serves an all-powerful God that is in control. “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil.” Where men might turn a blind eye to injustice or give an approving nod to sin, God can do neither! It’s what he knows about God that brings him to the question, “Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they?”

This is no theoretical issue. Habakkuk’s conclusions aren’t based on economic projections or military intelligence. God has spoken! Therefore, the suffering looming in Judah’s future is very real. The Chaldeans will seize dwellings (1:6). They will come for the purpose of violence and collect captives “like sand” (v. 9). They laugh at fortresses (v. 10) and will sweep through “like the wind” (v. 11). It’s these divine declarations that send the prophet reeling in shock!

Waiting is the Hardest Part

It’s a wise man who takes his questions about God to God; it’s an even wiser man who listens for the answers. Most men in this situation prefer talking and doing in an attempt to “fix” ‘things. Habakkuk chooses to watch, wait and listen (2:1). In marked contrast to our impatient and instant generation, Habakkuk knows what we typically ignore—watching and waiting are fundamental steps to seeing things from a divine perspective. He chooses to hand the matter over to God—and patiently awaits His response.

It is here he is reminded that the “righteous will live by his faith” (2:4). He is shown the evil existing among the Chaldeans and in a series of “woes” is assured they would ultimately pay the price (2:6-19). Their iniquity has not escaped heaven’s eye and God remains in His holy temple (2:20). Though the Chaldeans might wreak havoc with Judah, they are not more powerful than God, nor can they remove Him from His throne.

Living by Faith

It’s in the third chapter that Habakkuk reaches the pinnacle of his spiritual experience. God’s message has not just entered his mind, it has invaded his heart. He has heard the word of God and seen a vision of the work of God—and it has changed him. Living by faith is no longer a theoretical concept—it has become a spiritual reality! God’s prophet is moved to worship. Habakkuk 3 reads more like a psalm of confidence than a prophetic declaration. Three times we find the Hebrew word, “Selah” (3:3,9,13). It’s the only time in the Bible where this word is found outside of the Psalms. Though the future seems dark, Habakkuk’s worship takes the shape of three affirmations of faith.

• I will rest in the Lord (3:16). Though this short book began with an agonizing and impatient prophet in Judah, it ends with a calm and expectant servant of God! God has spoken; Habakkuk has listened. Jehovah has promised; Habakkuk has believed. God has declared; Habakkuk has accepted. He comprehends that whatever the future might hold for Judah, it is in keeping with God’s perfect wisdom and justice. He looked around and saw horrible sin among his people. He looked out and envisioned a brutal army poised to destroy. But more significantly, he looked up and trusted that the hand of God was at work in it all.
• I will rejoice in the Lord (3:17-18). If we lived in an agrarian society, we would more fully appreciate the scenario he paints in these verses. What he describes is disaster on a total scale. Blossomless figs, fruitless vines, failing olives, cut off flocks and cattle-less stalls describe not just failures in agriculture, but the ravages of war. There will be nothing to eat, nothing to drink and nothing to wear. And such poverty is not due to “natural” causes, but a ruthless enemy who is in control of the land. Still, the prophet declares: “I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.”
• I will rely on the Lord (3:19). Here is faith’s peak. The reason for his hope in the midst of such a dark situation is not any inherent strength he’s developed on his own. There has been no spiritual technique that’s been mastered. No magic formula applied. He proclaims that God is the one who not only provides stability in his life now, but who also enables him to climb higher in the future—even in the face of immense adversity. He’s not just “holding his ground,” he’s advancing like a sure-footed deer amid some of the most dangerous terrain!

Times may be good or they may be bad. Circumstances may waver and fluctuate. But those things need not affect our adoration of the One who remains constant through it all. In three brief chapters, Habakkuk teaches us much about worship—even when it must occur in the dark.

Spiritual or Secular?

While our objective is to be conformed to Christ’s image (Rom.8:29), we often take a much different approach. It’s a dualistic one in which our lives are separated into two main categories: spiritual and secular. Evidence of this compartmentalization is often revealed in our speech about preaching. For example, when a man begins to preach full time we typically say, “he left secular work.” If he gets out of preaching, we speak of him getting a “secular” job (secular meaning “of or relating to the worldly or temporal, not overtly or specifically religious). Intentional or not, we leave the impression that preaching is a spiritual work while teaching school or being a salesman is only secular. But in light of passages such as Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-25, can a faithful Christian ever have a truly secular job? Preaching is important, but it’s simply not true that God is disinterested in what you do if you happen to be a lawyer, accountant or secretary.

The dualistic approach to life results in our functioning in two different worlds—and wearing out the path between them. Each world (spiritual and secular) seems very separate, thus it becomes easy to think that what transpires in one has little to do with what goes on in the other. Prayer is spiritual; work is secular. Bible study is spiritual; going on a date with my mate is secular. Teaching a Bible class is spiritual; reading a book to my child is secular. But for the saint, aren’t both worlds inseparably tied together? Isn’t that what Jesus demonstrated in His life?

Obviously, on those occasions when Jesus was teaching and healing He was engaged in spiritual activity. But what about when He was eating a meal with friends or asleep in the stern of a fishing boat? Was He only involved in secular pursuits? Are the activities different? Certainly. Was it a case of Jesus looking to glorify the Father in one set of activities, but not the others? Certainly not.

God’s desire for this same level of “presence” with us is manifested in a number of images, such as the vine and the branches (John 15:1ff). The branch must “abide” in the vine; that is, to dwell, reside, inhabit, continue. Though there are distinct differences between the vine and the branch, the connection between them is such that no definitive line can be drawn where one begins and the other ends. It’s this connection that brings the branch life and causes growth and development.

More Than An Occasional Visitor

What about the image of the temple in 1 Corinthians 6:19? Was God merely an occasional visitor who only showed up on Sabbaths and other feast days—or was the temple His permanent residence? God didn’t come and go. He didn’t appear, disappear and reappear. Instead, the temple proclaimed God’s continual presence and availability to the people of Israel—and that presence should have altered their conduct. And because it didn’t, the sin of Israel became too great for Him to dwell there any longer.

Perhaps the best image to convey the divine desire in this realm is that of a bride (Rev. 21:2). The church is described with a variety of terms, each indicating a unique element. (1) “Kingdom” speaks of rule; (2) “priesthood” speaks of service; (3) “household” portrays the family connection; and (4) “bride” communicates intimacy. Healthy marriages have a sense of “remaining” with each other. Though I may be separated from my wife by geographical distance, she remains a part of me and therefore routine decisions frequently are made with her in mind.

What we take away from each of these images is the fact that we are never “away” from God and He is never “away” from us—and it ought to change who we are and how we act. God doesn’t show up first thing Sunday morning only to depart after the closing prayer Sunday night. He is just as present in our lives Monday through Saturday and desires that we recognize His presence in every aspect of our existence. In Psalm 139 David forever answered the question, “Does God know what is happening in my life and does He care?” The question that remains is, will we embrace the perspectives inherent in those truths?

What changes would occur in our lives if we acknowledged God’s very real presence in every sphere of our existence—and not just those realms we deem “spiritual”? Let’s “translate” that into some practical terms as we seek to glorify God in our lives.

Our Work, Marriages, and Daily Situations

No one doubts that God is both present and very much interested in our gathering on Sunday to worship. But do we understand that God is just as present and just as interested in how we conduct ourselves on the job? Therefore, how we behave at work either brings Him glory or dishonor. Isn’t that what Paul is teaching in Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-25? Yet, the Lord’s cause is often hindered and His good name disgraced because a slothful, tardy, stubborn employee who refuses to flesh out the principles contained in the previously mentioned passages. The connection between our Christianity and our employment is inseparable.

Or what about our marriages? Do we know that poor conduct with our mates is sinful and can fracture our relationship with God (Mal.2:13f; 1 Pet.3:7)? We’re deluded if we think that God cares how I worship in a church building, but is indifferent when it comes to how I treat my mate at home. A Christian’s marriage is to provide a powerful image to the world of the wonderful relationship that exists between Christ and His church—and thus brings glory to Him. Yet, how often do Christian marriages cast a dark cloud over this magnificent parallel and thereby bring dishonor to Him?

Wouldn’t seeing God more clearly at home change my approach in raising my children? Would it alter the way I treat people if I was as keenly aware of His presence in the Wal-Mart check-out line as I am when I’m engaged in worship on a Sunday morning? And wouldn’t abandoning our dualistic approach to daily life improve the meaning and depth of my worship when I did gather on the Lord’s Day—and thus bring Him greater glory?

“Whatever You do…”

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Friends, even the most mundane things in a saint’s life can be used to bring glory to our God if they’re viewed with the proper perspective. God is too small if our relationship with Him is confined to a church building, for He desires the totality of our lives to be genuinely spiritual. Not just things like prayer, Bible study and collective worship, but that every aspect of our lives is done to His glory and honor.

One of Satan’s most subtle and effective tactics for saints in the 21st century, however, is the almost imperceptible transformation from being lovers of God to being lovers of pleasure (2 Tim.3:4). Borrowing from Neil Postman’s 1985 book title, we can become so enamored with the “fun facet” of the world that we “amuse ourselves to death.”

Legitimate Diversion

Let me state from the start that I believe there is a legitimate place for the enjoyment of life. Christians are not to be sour and dour, behaving as though they’ve been baptized in lemon juice. It is not sin to find pleasure in the good gifts God has bestowed (1 Tim.4:4). It is not wrong to relax and have some fun. God does not prohibit entertainment, but He does expect balance and moderation.

Our culture has changed dramatically in 100 years. Today, most have more disposable income and discretionary time than their grandparents or great-grandparents could have ever imagined. Though these changes have brought numerous benefits, they have also introduced a variety of perils. With an abundant supply of time and money, the aim of a growing number is to discover how they can expend both in the pursuit of a “good time.” The world is no longer seen as a workplace (Gen.2:15) or a battlefield (John 15:19), but merely a playground where the rule is, “the one with the most toys, wins.” Jesus warned that the “worries and riches and pleasures of this life” possess the ability to choke out the word of God, and render it unfruitful (Luke 8:14). Sadly, many have turned a deaf ear to that important counsel.

Television

Television has changed the world forever. What had predominantly been a word-based culture rapidly shifted to one that is image-based. Today, the preferred means of communication is not intellectual discourse (whether verbal or written), but the emotional excitement and sensual stimulation of TV. Nothing has done more to promote our obsession with entertainment than the invention of what older folks once called, “the squawk box.”

According to A.C. Nielson, the average American watches four hours of television a day. That’s two months every year! The addition of cable and satellite programming, VCR’s and DVR’s, DVD rentals and video games has only increased the number of hours sacrificed to the “god of entertainment.” Is it any wonder that in a world inundated with 3.5 second-long flashes of movement (the average duration of a shot on network TV), that the ordinary reading and study of the Bible has lost its luster? I fear that many 21st century saints know more about Hollywood stars than they do the real heroes of Scripture. I’m not telling you to toss out your TV. What I am advocating is regular implementation of the “off” button on the remote to allow for an involvement in things of greater import.

The Internet

Like television, the Internet has also brought significant cultural changes. And not all of them are good. The “information super-highway” not only provides rapid travel through an abundance of information, but numerous spiritual potholes, such as electronic gambling and pornography, also mar it. But even if one should work to avoid these glaring evils, the Internet can still devour precious hours of family time and distract us from the things of God. It can be a powerful tool for good or an effective weapon of the evil one. Again we find a vital need for discipline and discernment (Phil.1:9-10).

Obsession with Organized Sports

And wouldn’t we have to admit that we are a culture addicted to sports? And not only televised sporting events, but school athletics and organized leagues. Today, most kids aren’t content playing pick-up games in an empty neighborhood lot—and neither are their parents. Instead, we want to participate in associations where sports can be played year round and where practices can absorb several days on the calendar. How much stronger would local churches be if there was the same zeal demonstrated inside their buildings that is displayed in our nations stadiums and arenas? Winning the Lombardi trophy or an Olympic gold medal is a remarkable achievement, but they are still only “perishable wreaths” (1 Cor.9:25).

Music, Hobbies, and Fun Focus

What about our fascination with music? We loathe silence—and music has become an effective way of breaking it. Wouldn’t we be well served to periodically turn off our radios and ipods, and devote that time to prayer?

Hobbies and recreation also require expenditures of time and money. Things like golf, hunting, woodworking, gardening, etc., can all be profitable things that help make life enjoyable. But they also possess the ability to become idols that rob God of the time and honor He is due.

Even religion has been influenced by the “fun focus” of our time as churches have seemingly adopted the philosophy, if you can’t beat the “god of entertainment,” then you might as well join him! The result? Dramas and bands, gymnasiums and laser light shows, Super Bowl parties and self-help seminars. And each conducted under the guise of “worship.”

We must dwell in a world where, for many, entertainment has become the idol of choice. Today, people would rather than “have fun” than think. They would rather be amused than be spiritually challenged. They would rather witness a performance than personally participate in genuine worship. And should that describe us, wouldn’t it make any claim to being a true disciple of Jesus an illegitimate one?