Giving Thanks in Dark Days

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Habakkuk 1-3The Book of Habakkuk might be the most pertinent Scripture in this day and age. In three short chapters, Habakkuk shows us how to give thanks in dark days.There are three things to remember about faith as these days grow gloriously dim.In chapter one, we learn that faith does not live by explanations, but by God’s promises.“The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. O Lord, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, ‘Violence!’” (Habakkuk 1:1-2).Habakkuk has been praying fervently, crying out for help with a broken heart. Yet he experienced Heaven’s silence, Earth’s sinfulness, and Hell’s success. He begins to question if God is even listening. God will not explain everything to us because we would not understand His ways; He will not limit Himself to our understanding.In chapter two, Habakkuk shows that faith doesn’t live by appearances, but by providence.In the silence of a prayer tower, God revealed His providence to Habakkuk, first through Scripture, which is Truth.Habakkuk also saw God’s provision for the saints: “Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Faith, when it is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the most powerful force on earth.God also provides retribution for the sinner. Judgment will come against all material, moral, and spiritual corruption running rampant on Earth. Adrian Rogers reminds us, “The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.”God will also show provision through the reign of the Savior: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).Finally, in chapter three, we learn that faith doesn’t live by circumstances, but by praise.Habakkuk 3:3 says, “His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise.”In these dimming days, we must remember God’s glory, rejoice in His goodness and rely on His grace. Adrian Rogers says, “We don’t need to know why, we need to know Who.”Apply it to your lifeAre you giving thanks in these dark days? Remember: faith does not live by explanations, but by promises. It does not live by appearances, but by providence. And we can praise Him in every circumstance.