Define 2020. Ready, set, go.
Ok, just kidding. I imagine your heart didn’t have very pretty things to say about it, but that’s why we’re here today.
You see, I think more than the physical things we have lost or the physical pain we have endured, we have also lost our confidence along the way.
Maybe you didn’t notice it at first, being snuggled up on the couch with your favorite show weathering out the storm, but the moment we were able to venture out into the light, something about it didn’t feel quite right. So our bodies began to feel the weight. Our minds feel a bit like mush and we are unsure as to whether or not we wear a mask don’t wear a mask…take the temperature or don’t…cancel the appointment or keep it. In the midst of it all, our confidence has begun to crack.
Unfortunately, the hard to swallow truth is that our confidence was never in the right place to begin with. We have been seeking it out in our marriages and how often we say I love you. It’s been placed in friendships that felt unbreakable and jobs we thought were our purpose in life. It’s even been hiding in shopping, dining and having a spotless floor.
So, when the hot mess finds us, we forget about the grace that covered us in the first place, because we’ve been placing our hope in the wrong storehouse.
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There is a tiny book hiding in the New Testament that speaks so boldly about placing absolutely faith and confidence in God’s plan.
Enter Habakkuk.
When you have a chance, I strongly encourage you to read through it. It’s only three chapters and tells the story of Habakkuk, a prophet of God, having a direct conversation with the Lord about impending trouble upon God’s people. He’s confused because pain is on the horizon and God is (seemingly) nowhere in sight.
Ultimately, the conversation leads to God reminding Habakkuk that the work of His hands is more powerful than he can comprehend.
“Look at the nations and observe – be utterly astounded! For I am doing something in your days that you will not believe when you hear about it.” Habakkuk 1:5 (CSB)
2020 in a sentence, am I right?
God explains to Habakkuk that even though it seems that wickedness prevails, there is purpose in His plan. After more reflection, Habakkuk realizes the missing piece is faith alone. Hope in idols, possessions, relationships and so much more will never satisfy like that of full confidence in our Heavenly Father’s plan for our lives and the nations.
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls, yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:16-18
When our new normal feels barren and unforgiving, may we be reminded that our confidence rests in a mighty maker who weaves every moment together.
“The Lord my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!” Habakkuk 3:19
That’s the kind of confidence I want to have, how about you?
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Lord, would you make that the tune of our heart not only in the remainder of this year, but in every season. Remind us that confidence won’t bloom from physical possessions or earthly satisfaction, but from You and Your endless faithfulness. Remind us that hope in You is an anchor for our soul. No news story, disappointing encounter or change in plans can change who You are and what You’re doing. You are at work! We will wait for you. Amen.
