The Sovereignty of God…

Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He enables me to tread on the heights.

In Our Verse of the Day, I see the reference to the sovereignty of God has come into view for us again; but I think this verse takes us in a somewhat different direction of thought. The Prophet Habakkuk sees the Sovereign Lord (God Almighty) as his source of strength.  Knowing God is sovereign and governs over all circumstances and situations should give us strength and hope.  It should give us boldness when in battle against the darkness of this world.  I love the imagery he used here – comparing the surefootedness of a mountain sheep, antelope, or deer upon steep rocky crags. Though it appears to be in danger of falling; it’s hooves, leg muscles, dexterity, and instincts stabilize its center of gravity as it climbs the heights. It moves gracefully and naturally in its habitat – having confidence in the strength and abilities God has endowed it with….

Habakkuk applies this metaphor to our experience with God. The Father has instilled in us the assurance of His sovereignty and the hope of His compassion. He has given us His Word to instruct us. He has given us His Spirit … His divine power to navigate the challenges and hardships of life that we face. Through these, we receive comfort and confidence in God … the One who created us and called us to be His own people. 

I think it is important for us to see the context of his prayer in order to appreciate his conclusion: “The Sovereign Lord is my strength.”  I encourage you to read the entire Book of Habakkuk to understand the frame of reference found in his “complaints” to God … and the responses of God he shares with us.  It was a time of great upheaval in the land of Judah due the impending invasion of the Chaldeans (Babylonians) – whom God would use to bring judgement upon His rebellious and idolatrous covenant people. Habakkuk struggled to understand why God would permit an evil nation to carry out His purposes. It is a question we have probably pondered as we look at the ever-increasing intensity and extent of evil in our world today.  Perhaps, it should be a wake-up call to the Body of Christ in these latter days….

Despite his concerns and apprehensions surrounding what God is doing to cleanse and deliver His covenant people of their sin, Habakkuk understands that “the righteous will live by faith”. (Cf. 2:4) He is confident of the ultimate goodness, righteousness, and love of God regardless of what his eyes see before him. Habakkuk is unmoved in his faith by the calamities that will befall his sinful nation because he knows that God will preserve His holy ones. Habakkuk assures us that we can trust the sovereignty and justice of God: “The Lord is in holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” (Cf. 2:20)  And so I love the comfort of his inspired words … especially at the end of his prayer:

Habakkuk 3:16-19 (NIV)

I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to tread on the heights.

Whatever your concerns or apprehensions might be regarding the darkness and evil so prevalent in the world, always remember that the Sovereign Lord is your strength! You and I are able to stand with confidence even upon the rocky crags of mountain heights….  “He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber.” (Cf. Psalm 121:3) Yes, “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” (Cf. Psalm 145:17-18) Indeed, I invite you to read both Psalm 121 and Psalm 145 so that your faith will be strengthened. You and I can endure all situations and circumstances through Christ who gives us strength. (Cf. Philippians 4:13)  

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

“See, it is I who created the blacksmith – who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to cause devastation; yet no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. ~ Isaiah 54:16-17