“A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth. O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.”
Habakkuk 3:1–2

In chapter one, we saw Habakkuk wondering and worrying about what was going on in his world and why God was working the way He was. In chapter two, we saw him watching and waiting on the Lord, realizing that God was indeed at work. Here in chapter three, we see the prophet worshipping and witnessing to the greatness and glory of his God! This man went from the valley of questions and concerns to the mountaintop of prayer and praise!

Habakkuk had heard from the Lord, and he stood in awe as he poured out his heart to the God who had spoken. The expression “O Lord” is used three times in this chapter (3:2, 8). It expresses a deeply felt longing for revival. He addresses his God as LORD (Jehovah), the self-existing God of relationship, and twice requests, “In the midst of the years,” that God would revive His work and make it known. Habakkuk is asking the Lord to unveil the true nature of His work, make it known, and do so now! Perhaps he had 2 Chronicles 7:14 in mind: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

This deep desire came from a heart that had heard the Word of God. God had spoken, and a heart stirred toward revival was moved to pray! Hearing from the Lord generates faith (Rom. 10:17). Without the Word of God, we really cannot pray effectively. Prayer and the Word of God are often seen hand in hand (Acts 6:4; John 15:7).

In asking for revival, what was Habakkuk really asking to behold? He wanted a fresh appreciation of the glory of the Lord and a renewed vision of His holiness (3:3–4). He wanted a fresh realization of his own weakness, yet also of God’s continued faithfulness and greatness. He desired for God to make His power known among His people.

What is our response today to the Word of God? He has said, “For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,” says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isa. 66:2).

Ancre du jour :
Do we respond to the Word with reverent awe and ready obedience like Habakkuk?