I really enjoy reading the minor prophets in the Bible because there is so much in them although they are short. In this series we’ll be looking at the minor prophets often like today’s lesson from Habakkuk.
Habakkuk was a prophet in Israel at a time of corruption in government, sinfulness all around, idolatry, and a perverted justice system. Israel was a corrupt and sinful mess. Within that context he prayed this prayer:
2 How long, Lord, must I call for help and You do not listen or cry out to You about violence and You do not save? 3 Why do You force me to look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Oppression and violence are right in front of me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates. 4 This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges.
For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted. (Hab 1:2-4)
I mention this prayer because it is not a typical prayer you might see in the Bible. It is a lament to God. Habakkuk isn’t asking God for help or guidance but is lamenting to God about circumstances. He vents to God heartfelt feelings. He voices to God that He is not listening to Him; that He seems to be tolerating sinfulness in the land; that he has to see such injustice, oppression, and violence around him; and more. This is a raw, emotional, and honest prayer to God. He is lamenting TO God instead of complaining about God like the Israelites did in the wilderness.
I bring this up for two reasons. First, we can all have similar feelings, and it is good to vent them in a healthy way to the Lord to work through them. Second, prayers of lament like this occur in the Bible to teach us that it is okay.
God can handle all your problems and help you work through your feelings. Talk to Him honestly about what is troubling you. Here are some other examples from the Bible:
- In Psalm 13:1-2, David voiced his feelings of abandonment by God and frustration over waiting for God’s help:
1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? (Ps 13:1-2)
- The prophet Jeremiah 12:1-2 had the same complaint as Habakkuk about the wicked thriving:
… Why does the way of the wicked prosper? … (Jer 12:1)
- Job complained to God about his afflictions and how he felt God was treating him:
11 Therefore I will not restrain my mouth. I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. 12 Am I the sea or a sea monster, that You keep me under guard? 13 When I say: My bed will comfort me, and my couch will ease my complaint, 14 then You frighten me with dreams, and terrify me with visions, 15 so that I prefer strangling—death rather than life in this body. 16 I give up! I will not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are a breath. 17 What is man, that You think so highly of him and pay so much attention to him? 18 You inspect him every morning, and put him to the test every moment. 19 Will You ever look away from me, or leave me alone long enough to swallow? 20 If I have sinned, what have I done to You, Watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I have become a burden to You? (Job 7:11-20)
- Israel had a communal complaint about their defeat and feelings of being forgotten by God:
23 Wake up, Lord! Why are You sleeping? Get up! Don’t reject us forever! 24 Why do You hide Yourself and forget our affliction and oppression? 25 For we have sunk down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. (Ps 44:23-26)
You’ve probably shared many of these feelings too. Maybe you’re overwhelmed and confused how evil is so pervasive in our society and that God does not seem to be doing anything about it. Maybe you feel that God is distant when you need Him and you’re frustrated because you feel abandoned by Him and He’s not answering you. Maybe you’re struggling through a very tough time in life like Job and you feel that God has turned on you.
Talk to the Lord about all your feelings and struggles. Don’t be afraid to tell Him anything since He already knows what you’re thinking and feeling. Biblical prayers of lament follow a four-step pattern:
- Turning to God – this is when you to turn to God in prayer to address Him directly about your problem
- The complaint – this is where you tell Him about your pain, confusion, frustration, and perceived injustice honestly but reverently
- Your request – this is when you cry out for relief, understanding, patience, justice, etc
- Trusting – this is when you choose to praise and trust God even though nothing has changed (yet)
Don’t be afraid to talk to the Lord about your deepest and most troubling problems and frustrations. Remember He is your Father and you are Christ’s bride. Talk with Him in deep honesty about anything. He will help you through your struggle.
Think about it
What do you learn about God’s character and ability to handle our anger and frustrations from His prophets? Do you think God can handle your anger? Will He help you through your issue?
Where you ever taught that it is okay to lament to God in prayer? How do you feel about it now?
What is the difference between complaining about God (like the Israelites in the wilderness) and complaining to God like the prophets?
What is one burden, frustration, or piece of “heartfelt venting” that you need to hand over to God in prayer today?
