"How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight." (Habakkuk 1:2-3 HOW LONG, AND WHY?
Believers know that God is righteous, true, Holy and good, yet they notice so much on earth that is sheer rebellion against God and His will, without His intervention to judge and remove the evil. This puts our faith to the test. We call upon God and ask, "But you are pure and cannot stand the sight of evil. Will you wink at their treachery? Should you be silent while the wicked swallow up people more righteous than they?" (vs 13). God often remains silent. It was Jeremiah's experience when he complained: "You have hidden yourself in a cloud so our prayers cannot reach you." (Lamentation 3:44).
God is not obliged to account for His actions before us. Job had stated: "For God is greater than any human being. So why are you bringing a charge against him? Why say he does not respond to people’s complaint? (Job 33:12-13) Nevertheless God does not leave the heart that trust in Him comfortless. God gave Asaph light when he misunderstood God's doings, so that he could finally praise Him!
Now our prophet Habakkuk, who asked God "How long?" and "Why" received an answer and was encouraged by His Word: "But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God." (ch. 2:4). So let us be consoled in these earnest times and wait upon God's help in faith and trust. Above all let us look to our Lord and Saviour in anticipation of His near return to take us to His eternal glory. It may even be today.