In the Amplified version of Habakkuk 3:1 we read, “Set (this piece of writing) to wild, enthusiastic, and triumphal music.” The New Living Translation says, “This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk.” Either way, Habakkuk has come through this spiritual battle, his questioning of God in prayer, with a sense of triumph. In Chapter 3, we see where Habakkuk started, his lessons, and where he landed.
Starting Place
The prophet began with fear. The things he had heard about God left him amazed. He called on God for revival. He asked that in this time of great need, God would once again, as in years past, show Himself strong. But please, he implored, in your anger, please remember Your mercy.
Lessons
He envisioned the eternal God. The Holy One moving in brilliant splendor, filling the heavens. As He approached, the earth filled with His praise. His coming affected pestilence and plague as when he released His people from Pharoah’s iron grip. When He stopped, the earth trembled; when He looked, the nations trembled as did Jericho when it crumbled to the ground. He shattered mountains and leveled hills. God exercised judgement but moved to rescue His own, His chosen people by becoming their salvation.
Where He Landed
The vision of judgement on those who invaded the land of God’s chosen people left Habakkuk physically exhausted. His body shook with terror, and his legs could not hold him up. He knew it was coming, so he waited quietly. But above all, he would rejoice. No matter what the future held, whether famine, darkness, sword, he would rejoice in the Lord, the God of his salvation, the source of his strength.
The Amplified sums it up.
“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering, or responsibility)! “
Whatever lies ahead, or for how long it might last, like Habakkuk, in our questions, and in our fears, we anchor our soul by trusting in the Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, and by hoping in His Promises.