The year I committed to methodically read through the Bible brought many joyful and new surprises. Don’t be impressed, though— believe me— I am too old to admit that I had never read the Bible all the way through in one year!
Renewed Strength
I strained to see them and marveled at their graceful movements among the rocky cliffs of Israel—the Ibex mountain goat. They actually looked like petite antelopes. Visitors to Israel often get to glimpse them springing from rock to rock as they navigate the mountain heights, graceful and confident. One glimpse immediately brings a familiar verse to mind, one you might have seen on wall hangings, plaques or even have in your own home!
The Power of Joy
The prophet Habakkuk recorded a third prayer to God. This prayer was in the form of a song written for the choir director to be song with stringed instruments. Habakkuk responded to what God foretold of the judgment of Israel by the invading Babylonians. Even though God declared that He would defend His people with His mighty arm, Habakkuk "trembled within" as he waited quietly for the Lord’s deliverance.
Before the King
I’ve been surprised by familiar biblical passages that come from the obscure minor prophet Habakkuk. One of these passages inspired a benediction we often sang at my childhood church. I hear the melody as I read the words. “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” (Hab. 2:20). Imagine my surprise to find these words following five woes spoken by the LORD in His response to Habakkuk!
Living by Faith
Scholars wonder about the prophet Habakkuk’s name. It’s only used in this Old Testament book, and it’s written in a non-standard Hebraic form. They believe it’s likely related to an extinct eastern language referring to the Habbaququ fruit tree. Imagine his challenge of having such a one-of-a-kind name among his teasing peers. My children can imagine. They carry a Polish last name (containing even more letters) that’s unique to this area of the country. I told them often that their name made them distinctive.
Why, Oh Lord?
I have a mental list of biblical characters I want to meet in heaven, and Habakkuk isn’t on it—at least not until recently! His name sounded harsh and I assumed it probably matched a typical prophet’s personality and message. Recently, though, I discovered some things about Habakkuk that drew me in, besides the fact he included a song in his prophecy. His Old Testament writing was unique in that he spoke to God on behalf of the people rather than speaking to the people on behalf of God. His format included three prayers and God’s three answers. Like Job, Habakkuk struggled with understanding God’s ways. He had lots of questions and was willing to present those “why” questions to God.
The Plumb Line
In the days before HGTV revealed the intricacies of home decorating, I naively decided to redo the wallpaper in our bathroom myself. Why hire a professional when I could do it, right? Little did I know how tricky it would be to remove the existing paper or how tired I would become before finishing the project.
Dusty Books
I sat down to read and turned on the table lamp beside me. As light spread across the table, I saw a fine white powder coated its surface and even the books resting there.
The Cavern
One summer our family toured Luray Cavern. Our guided tour took us deeper and deeper into the earth. As we walked the well-lit path, our leader pointed out the natural wonders on all sides.
The Transformation
Several years ago my cousin and his wife bought a fifty-year-old ranch style home. In spite of its dated interior, they loved the house and envisioned what it could become.
Life's Curveballs
My grandson plays high school baseball. He can throw a wicked pitch called a curveball. It’s especially hard for batters to hit because it dives downward as it nears the plate.
Yet
Why in the world did our Bible study leader pick the seemingly unimportant book of Habakkuk to study? In the majority of the book we just see complaints about the upcoming trials of the people of Israel. What could I learn from that? I did not anticipate picking up much from this short little book in the Old Testament.
Who’s Agenda?
Normally I would not get excited about flying. I must admit that anxiety usually kicks in at the very thought of getting on an airplane. This time was different though. I had an agenda.
Manipulation
After a season of visiting with a counselor about a totally different matter, I began reflecting on some unhealthy habits I had. One such habit really stuck out -- letting certain significant people in my life manipulate me. I did not permit everyone to do it, just a few key people in my inner circle.
Privileged
Did you know that I am privileged? I really am. And, lest I sound arrogant or prideful, did you know you are privileged too?
Read between the Quotation Marks
Sometimes the tiniest little detail catches my eye. I noticed this morning that when the Bible says, “this is what the Lord says” or “declares the Lord”, quotation marks hug the words He speaks.
More than Just Making It
On my morning walk, I passed a neighbor walking the opposite direction. I greeted her and asked how she was doing. She paused and replied, “I’m making it.” I understood her response. Her life has become complicated because of her mother’s failing health.
The Journey I Wouldn’t Choose
She finished reading the book and declared, “It was a journey I didn’t like being on.” Using that statement to describe a book is no big deal. But for many of us, that statement describes a complicated life situation that we can do nothing about. Many of us are on journeys we don’t like.
An Empty Suitcase
My bags are packed. I’m ready to go! How fun it is to go on journeys to other cities, states, or countries. Before each journey, I carefully plan what to take and then strategically work to get it all in my suitcase. I am one of those who takes extra “just in case.”
An Unexpected Adventure
Nestled in the middle of the Psalms are three verses that describe the blessed life of a believer. The psalmist begins by describing a believer’s heart. Blessed are those….who have set their hearts on pilgrimage (Psalm 84:5). In other words, blessed are those who have a longing in their souls and a determination in their minds to journey through life with Jesus.