Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard, Psalm 66:8

God is Awesome: Habakkuk’s Praise

(Tip: this snippet is part of a series which can be found here) 

Each Christian has the amazing privilege of being able to talk with God. They also have the amazing privilege to study, think and learn about his greatness knowing they will never fully comprehend how awesome he is.  These activities can be done anywhere and at any time and may begin with the simplest of prayers, the quietest of hymns or reading the shortest of bible verses. God will reward those who engage in these activities by revealing more of Himself and deepening His relationship with them.

Habakkuk had such an experience. He began with a simple and heartfelt petition (prayer) asking God why He was allowing certain things to happen. God demonstrated his divine mercy and grace by revealing His plans to him and giving him the assurance he needed to cope with his difficult circumstances. This led him to praise God in a magnificent way which included proclaiming:

… His splendor covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power. Before him went pestilence, and plague followed at his heels. He stood and measured the earth; he looked and shook the nations; then the eternal mountains were scattered; the everlasting hills sank low. His were the everlasting ways.  (Habakkuk 3:3-6)

Another notable theme of his praise is how the power of God is mightier than the strongest armies. For example, consider how God’s horses trample the sea (Hab 3:15) making the horses swifter than leopards (Hab 1:8) appear rather tame. Habakkuk, fearing for his life, would have found this revelation particularly precious.

Habakkuk’s praise for God is truly magnificent. It reaffirms that God is supremely powerful and mighty and his authority is unrivalled throughout all creation.  Further, it shows that he is faithful to his people.

 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Psalm 146:2