How Long, O Lord?

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying the book of Habakkuk together. In this book, we gain insight into how God is at work on our behalf even when we can’t always see it. Join us in the weeks ahead as we discover the God who is who carefully and lovingly crafted you, and lovingly created the gift of your child for which you now long. He has not carried you thus far simply to leave you on your own, but will be your Guide and your Strength. 

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How Long?

“O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
    and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
    and you will not save?
Why do you make me see iniquity,
    and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
    strife and contention arise.
So the law is paralyzed,
    and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
    so justice goes forth perverted.”
Habakkuk 1:1-4

READ:

Habakkuk was a prophet during the decline of the Judean kingdom. In his lifetime he had seen great prosperity and security, and then had that security stripped away as an army invaded their land, bringing chaos, death, and destruction. 

It is in the midst of this distress that Habakkuk voices his lament: God, are you there? Are you listening to me? Do you care about the things that are happening in my life?  It was not the first or the second time of calling out to God to intervene and make things right. Habakkuk was a man who believed in God, and expected his prayers for deliverance for himself and the nation to be answered. He had cried both tears and words aloud to the Lord, and God had not yet answered. 

Habakkuk’s belief in God’s justice was fuel to his confusion regarding the circumstances. He knew God was just, but what he was seeing was not. He was earnestly entreating God to change the circumstances, but nothing was changing. And Habakkuk was doubting if God cared, or was even listening to him at all.

REFLECT:

• How do you relate to Habakkuk?
• What questions do you have about God’s care for you and your life
• What doubts have arisen in your soul since your Hope Baby passed away?

JOURNAL:

Lamenting is a biblical response to grief. To pour out your heart before the Lord puts us in company with the righteous men and women of the Bible and those throughout history who have voiced their questions and grief to the God who created them. Take some time to write out your questions–your lament–to the Lord.

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Erin Cushman is the founder of Hope Mommies. She is married to Blair and has four children: Gwendolyn, who has been with Jesus since October 20, 2010, Malacai, who is three, Gemma, born in June 2015, and Baby Cush. She loves photography, gardening, cooking, reading, playing with her children, and especially loves when all those things combine.

Are you a writer who would like to join the blog team? Learn more and apply here.

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