Perhaps while we are complaining about fuel prices, etc., we should all stop and realize that we are much safer than a lot of the countries in this world. At least for now... I don't have to worry about getting blown to kingdom come at the grocery store.
I'm going to make a better effort next week. I'm going to try and do my Bible readings in the morning after I get home from work. This will take some major discipline, so I seriously ask for your prayers in this.
O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Verses 4-5
I do not think that David is asking to know how or when he will die. I believe he is simply asking for a reminder of how fragile his life is. We would all do well to remember this. We are but "a mere breath." Blow out a breath. That's what each of us is, in comparison to the very large picture that is eternity. 70-80 years, maybe a few more...compared to eternity. Only a breath.
What that does is encourage me to look at the bigger picture. Sadly, for some, it has the opposite effect. But I've got eternity to prepare for, and only a "breath" to get ready!
Habakkuk 1:12-17
Habakkuk is really speaking his mind here in this passage. He is angry at God for using the Babylonians to do his judgment work. They are so evil and filthy, after all...
When I read this passage, I understand the prophet's anger. However, I am reading centuries later, with the advantage of having many writings that give us a better perspective of God and his purposes. So, while I may understand his anger, I cannot agree with it. The very point of the discipline was to punish Israel for their unfaithfulness. Sooo...who exactly is God supposed to use?? Is there another "blessed" nation somewhere? Of course it's going to be someone like Babylon!
But, with that being said, I think the point of the passage is to underscore what has been said before; that it is ok to be honest with God. More than ok, it is even encouraged. I don't think God was angry with Habakkuk for this venting. But God not only sees the bigger picture, he painted it! So he understands what is happening here.
Can we speak to God with this kind of honesty? I have, frequently. Usually, I get patient silence as a resonse, while I sort it out for myself. I, of course, always want God to jump up and take action. But God is not really one for quick reactions, is he?
As I consider my life, there isn't much that I can't be honest with God about. In fact, I am much more open with God than I am even here. God knows everything about me, so what's the point of not being open and honest with him? Never made sense to me. I can't hide anything from him, can I?
I love you, God. Help me show it more.
Grace and peace, friends!