What exactly does the Bible give us? It’s very multifaceted, without a doubt; it gives us stories of the world and of God’s glory, it gives us theological discourse showing us the gospel, it gives us instructions for how to be God’s people, it gives us examples of worship and celebrations of our great hope. But sometimes we forget that it also gives comfort for the confused, tormented soul. Habakkuk is one of many biblical writers that despairs of the world and rages against God with bewildered questions—questions we ourselves have probably asked. If nothing else, Scripture comforts us by saying it hears us in our torment.
Habakkuk’s question is all too familiar. Why do the wicked prosper? Why would God tolerate injustice? I thought he hated evil! Why does he sit back and let unthinkable atrocities happen? Does he even care? Books upon books have been written trying to philosophically dissect the question and formulate a solution. But truth be told, we’re not asking this philosophically. Our pain is personal, and we want our agony set right.
But God answers Habakkuk with assurance. All will indeed be set right. All will really be set right. The day is coming. God has not left the disorder in the world to multiply past the point of his ability to redeem it, and he has not delayed with his perfect, trustworthy plan to redeem it all to the fullest. All will be set right. I wish he had told us when or how! But because God knows best, he has not. He instead reminds us to trust him faithfully, because he is faithful and good. The day of redemption is coming, and until then, we who are righteous will be living by faith in that truth.
While our souls are tormented by the rampant injustice in the world, God’s Word listens to our cries and comforts us. But never forget: justice will be done, and every last injustice in the world will be rectified. We’ve already seen this victory begin with the cross of Christ, but its completion is still sure to come. So trust in the Lord who will certainly not delay. The righteous will live by faith.
