Where Is God When Our World Is Falling Apart?

"God, why?" "God, how can you allow this happen?" Do these questions sound familiar? We often question God when our life is falling apart. Most of us are guilty of questioning God, including myself. However, my mindset shifted after reading the book of Habakkuk. Here's a brief summary about the story of Habakkuk: Habakkuk served as a prophet to Judah. The setting takes place in Babylon, where the Babylonions came to cause destruction and perform evilness. In the beginning, Habakkuk couldn't understand why God allowed wickedness in society. Habakkuk had tons of questions for God because in his eyes it seemed as though God was doing nothing. He was surrounded by violence and destruction. Habakkuk became overwhelmed by the sin and deviltry around him. He cried out to God many times, but felt defeated that God hasn't saved his people.

Habakkuk 1: 2-4

2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help?

But you do not listen!

"Violence!" I cry, but you do not come to save.

3 Must I forever see this sin and misery all around me?

Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence.

I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.

4 The law has become paralyzed and useless,

and there is no justice given in the courts.

The wicked far outnumber the righteous,

and justice is perverted with bribes and trickery.

Student Life Application Bible. New Living Translation

Habakkuk frustration is similar to what our world currently faces today. Gun violence, racism, avariciousness, etc. continues to dominant our society. Many of us believe that God has forgotten the world due to these wicked acts that continue to occur. We also even forget that God is in control, which causes frustration and loss of faith.

Forgotten Habakkuk 1:2-4

"When circumstances around us become almost unbearable, we wonder if God has forgotten us. But remember, he is in control. God has a plan and will judge evildoers in his time. If we are truly humble, we will be willing to accept God's answers and await his timing." Student Life Application Bible. New Living Translation

When God responds to Habakkuk his main message was words of hope. God informs Habakkuk that he must be patient while he workout his plans. (Verse 2-3). "Trusting God fully means trusting him even when we don't understand why events occur as they do." Student Life Application Bible. New Living Translation. It can be difficult to apply our trust, but as Christians we must understand that God's purpose isn't to hurt us in the long run. His purpose is all part of his will. Habakkuk then realize that faith in God alone would supply the answers to his questions. Student Life Application Bible. New Living Translation. Habakkuk tackles the tough question of, "Where is God when my world is falling apart?" My favorite verse in this book is 3:17-19 which demonstrates the amazing strength that Habakkuk begins to establish towards God and the negativity that surrounds him.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,

and there are no grapes on the vine;

even though the olive crop fails,

and the fields lie empty and barren;

even though the flocks die in the fields,

and the cattle barns are empty,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD!

I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.

19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength!

He will make me as surefooted as a deer

and bring me safely over the mountains.

(For the choir director: This prayer is to be

accompanied by stringed instruments.)

Student Life Application Bible. New Living Translation

This verse gives me strength and reminds me to lean onto God. I revise the verse in my mind to help me relate to society's present situation: Even though the rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer; even though racism occurs, and certain ethnic groups are treated unfairly; even though healthcare is a business and the poor can't receive proper care, YET, I will rejoice in the LORD! I encourage everyone to read the book of Habakkuk to receive a better understanding of the amazing strength that God provides. Life is hard for everyone. Life is challenging but we must remain humble and allow God to fulfill his purpose even when destruction surrounds us. It's not easy to apply this concept to our everyday lives. However, God will definitely give us the strength.

Remember to take your eyes off your difficulties and look to God.

"Trusting God fully means trusting him even when we don't understand why events occur as they do."

We can use this blurry pic as a perfect example of trusting God to lead the way even though we're unable to see clearly.