This week, I thought it would be a fitting time to look at what the Bible has to say about the problem of evil and injustice in our world.
“How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight." -Habakkuk 1:1-3
Here are some things we can learn, from the Book of Habakkuk, and from the Bible as a whole.
1. We can talk to God.
I love that Habakkuk seemed so angry and frustrated at God. I can certainly relate. These words being in the Bible reminds us that God isn't offended when we ask him where he is or why he isn't miraculously intervening when people are suffering in our world. Habakkuk lived in Judah- a nation that was supposed to be known for loving and following God and telling others that God loves them too, but instead, this was a time (one of many) when the people didn't care at all about following God. The people were doing whatever they wanted. They had thrown morality out the window. Here, Habakkuk is crying out to God for help. When we are overwhelmed, saddened, or even angry at all of the evil and injustice in the world, talking to God about it is one of the best things we can do.
2. We need to trust God.
God answers Habakkuk in Chapter 1, verses 1-5, by saying that He is fully aware of the situation and is going to do something shocking. If you read through the chapter, you will see that God was raising up the Babylonians (a nation even more evil and depraved) to punish Judah. This is Bible prophecy, and soon after, that's exactly what happened. Habakkuk was getting an answer to his prayer, but he didn't like it. In Habakkuk 1:12-13, he is baffled how God would allow an even more evil nation to have success. I mean, why wasn't God punishing THEM? Throughout the Book of Habakkuk we're reminded that "the righteous person will live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). This means that if we love and follow God, we need to trust him. We need to trust that God is good. We need to trust that, even when it doesn't seem like it, God is doing something-- that he hasn't left us alone. We need to trust that, as the Bible promises, there WILL come a day when God will set right everything that's wrong with our world. We're encouraged, here, to have faith.
3. We need to be part of the solution.
While this point isn't made in the book of Habakkuk, it's something we see all through the Bible. The reason why bad things happen in our world is that human beings choose to do bad things. God has given us the freedom to follow him, or reject him and go our own way. If everybody loved and followed God, living their lives with some sense of higher morality, this world would be a peaceful place to live. While we have no control over the choices that other people make, we are in full control over our own words and actions. Are we known for loving others? Are we known for kindness? Are we known as people who give of our time and money to help others? Do we stand up for others when they're being bullied or made fun of, or do we join in with the crowd? Jesus told us to be "Good Samaritans"--to do what we can, in our own little ways, to be good neighbors to others.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever been frustrated or angry when you've seen violence, evil or injustice in the news? Have you ever talked to God about it?
2. What's one way you can be part of the solution this week? Can you think of some examples of how you could be known for being loving, caring, kind, and helpful? Do you think you have that reputation now? Why or why not?
3. Take some time to pray together. If you can think of cases of evil and injustice in the news, ask God to intervene. Ask God to rescue people who are suffering. Ask God if there's something that you can/should do.
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