Waiting is one of the hardest things we do. Whether it’s waiting in line, waiting for a test result, or waiting for God to answer a prayer, the in-between time can feel like an eternity. The prophet Habakkuk knew this feeling well. He cried out to God about the injustice around him, but God’s response was unexpected—things would get worse before they got better. In Habakkuk 2, we see how waiting on God isn’t passive—it’s a time of strengthening, trusting, and realigning our hearts with Him.
The Struggle of Waiting
Like Habakkuk, we often want quick solutions. We may ask, “God, what are You waiting for?” But what if He’s actually waiting on us? In Habakkuk 2:1, the prophet chooses to stand and watch, positioning himself to hear from God. This act of waiting wasn’t a sign of giving up—it was a declaration of faith.
Waiting patiently on God strengthens our faith. Psalm 27:14 encourages us, “Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Waiting isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about trusting in God’s perfect timing. Habakkuk 2:3 reminds us, “If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place.”
The Danger of Filling the Silence
When God seems silent, we may be tempted to take matters into our own hands. Just like the Babylonians in Habakkuk 2, we might try to fill our emptiness with money, power, or pleasures. But pride never satisfies, and self-sufficiency leads to destruction (v. 16). The truth is, we all put something at the center of our lives—whether it’s possessions, achievements, or relationships. Yet, only the living God can truly fill us.
Habakkuk 2:4 reminds us, “The righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.” This verse is the heart of the Christian life. Faith means trusting in God even when we don’t understand. It means holding on when the world around us feels chaotic.
God is Always in Control
Despite all the woes pronounced on Babylon in the second chapter of Habakkuk, two bright verses shine in the darkness:
“For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord” (v. 14).
“The Lord is in His holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him” (v. 20).
No matter how dark things seem, God’s glory is filling the earth. He is on His throne, and He never wonders what to do next. Our job is to trust Him. As we wait for answers in life, let’s ask ourselves: Are we putting God at the center? Wait patiently. Stand firm. God’s timing is always perfect.