Habakkuk 3: 17-18 Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossoms left nor fruit, and though the olive crops all fail, and fields lie barren even if the flocks die in the fields and cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will be happy in the GOD of my salvation. THE LORD GOD is my STRENGTH.
[The Living Bible Translation]
Summary
Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who prophesized about 612 B.C. Many scholars trace his name to the Hebrew word habaq, which means “to fold one’s hands or to embrace.” But scholars question whether the name means that Habakkah was an active embracer (e.g. embracing the people’s suffering and in endeavoring to understand what seems like chaos and calamities that plague humanity) or if Habakkah was being passively embraced (e.g., one who is embraced by GOD, as a child of GOD and GOD’s messenger). The book of Habakkak suggests both.
Like Job, Habakkuk questions GOD about the chaos of living, especially when bad times come and then one bad event seems to follow another, and yet another, and still another. For Job, it was a series of personal tragedies and suffering. And, in the Book of Job, Job asks, “Why GOD!?”
Habakkuk lived during the cruelty and violence of the Neo Babylonian Chaldean reign. The Chaldean King Nebuchadnezzar uprooting the lives of the Jewish people. This Chaldean nation captured Jerusalem, prevented worship in the temple, created an agricultural and financial disruption, and eventually caused the Jewish trek into Babylonian captivity. Habakkuk questioned the sadness and destruction all around him and questioned GOD’s wisdom in using the Chaldeans as a method of punishing the Jews. So, in the Book of Habakkuk, Habakkuk asks, “Why GOD!?”
However, both Job and Habakkuk in their attempts to question GOD, reached the same conclusion! Both concluded that they must rely on GOD’s wisdom and understanding, not their own. Both concluded that GOD has the strength to control all things and to save them, despite their circumstances. And, both Job and Habakkuk renewed their faith and trust in GOD, because of WHO GOD is and GOD’s love for them.
NOTHING is greater than GOD or GOD’s LOVE!
KEEP MOVING
Because gyms are closed, the need for social distancing, the need to wear masks in public, climate change producing poor air quality (like smoke), lack of transportation, or other reasons, many people are exercising at home. Some are using online classes for yoga, Zumba, strength training, or other workouts. Just put “Free Exercises Online Classes” in a Goggle search engine or search on “YouTube.” Or create your own home workout routine, or workout with friends online. Here are a few exercises you may want to consider:
Chair Squats – Stand in front of a straight-back chair, your back to the chair, your feet about shoulder-width apart and your feet straight ahead. Putting your weight in your heels, and your arms straight ahead, hinge at your hips and slowly bend your knees, straight ahead and start to lower your bottom into the chair until you touch the chair. Don’t sit. Taking a deep breath, and your hands still extended in front of you, tuck in your glut, and put your weight in your heels and very slowly rise to a standing position. Repeat 5-10 times
Straight Leg Donkey Kicks – On a mat, get on all fours in a tabletop position. Your hands should be aligned with your shoulders and your knees aligned with your hips. Keeping your back straight raise your right leg and extend it backward in a straight leg kick. As you kick, keep the foot flexed and the toes pointed downward. The opposite foot should remain flexed with the toes pointed into the mat. Keep your hips square and bring the right foot back in until the knee touches the mat. Then repeat the kicking movement on the right side 5 more times. Return to your start position and then perform 5 straight leg donkey kicks on the left side. Perform 1 or 2 sets on each side.
CREATE A MOTIVATIONAL EXPRESSION
In 1939, the British government created motivational expressions to help people prepare for the war. The expressions were put on posters everywhere. It was meant to help people when there were massive air attacks, explosions, and gas attacks in major cities and, in general, to boost the morale and spirit of the British people. One of the most popular expressions was: “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
Today, many people are feeling discouraged about the constant onslaught of negative news about COVID-19 deaths, the economy, the weather, the state of justice in the world, crime, man-made, and other disasters. If you are in need of encouragement, consider creating a “resilience expression” for yourself or your family. Something you can say to yourself or others to boost their morale. Here are a few suggestions, but feel free to be creative and develop one or your own. Search the Bible or borrow one from a hymn or song that has meaning for you. Make it a family project to come up with something that fits you or your family. Ask family members to come up with suggestions and then decide. Here are a few suggestions:
- NOTHING IS GREATER THAN GOD
- KEEP PRAYING AND CARRY ON
- GOD IS MY/OUR FAMILY’S STRENGTH
- GOD’S LOVE NEVER FAILS
- REJOICE IN THE LORD, ALWAYS
- TRUST IN GOD, ALWAYS, IN ALL WAYS
- REMEMBER GOD’s LOVE
- STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD
Remember all of the above. And, be encouraged!
Be resilient, have faith, and BE BLESSED.
