Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. A prayer of Habakkuk, Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT

Why? Habakkuk, a Prophet of God, sees the devastation befalling Judah and understands it as God’s punishment for the sin and wickedness of the Hebrew people. But he is troubled by two things. Why did God allow the people of Judah to sin? Why didn’t He just purge His people and restore their righteousness? And how could God use a sinful nation like Babylon to punish Judah?

Why indeed. Like Job, Habakkuk argues with God. Where is the mercy and justice? God answers Habakkuk’s questions asserting that He will ultimately judge all people and that righteousness will prevail. Through the experience, Habakkuk achieves a deeper understanding of God’s sovereign character, including God’s corrective discipline toward those whom He loves. Habakkuk becomes confident in God’s ability to move His people through judgment to deliverance. God’s assurance, along with Habakkuk’s glimpse of God’s sovereign rule, gave Habakkuk the courage and faith to trust in God’s plans.

In the end Habakkuk realized that God was not to be worshiped merely because of any temporal blessings He might provide, but for His own sake. Habakkuk closes his dialogue with God with the words: “Even though the trees produce no fruit and the flocks die in the fields, yet I will be joyful in the God of my salvation and wait quietly for the coming day.“

Note: “Even though” is a conjunction used to introduce a contrast or unexpected situation between two clauses.