9/11/11- Hope in suffering

16 I heard and my heart pounded, 
my lips quivered at the sound;
decay crept into my bones,
and my legs trembled.
Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity
to come on the nation invading us.

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

 (Cross found in rubble of world trade center- atheists are suing over those who want the cross as a part of a memorial to the dead there).

Thoughts: The cross is generically a symbol of hope in the midst of suffering.  The empty cross is a reminder of the end of suffering and hope of life beyond the grave. As such, it should be hopeful to anyone who wishes to have hope that goes beyond life's suffering. 

    Whenever we remember a disaster, it may bring back memories of our own problems/troubles/disasters.  It is so ten years after 9/11, and was so when Israel was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC (the time of Habakkuk).  Habakkuk starts out questioning God's righteousness and justice in chapter 1.  He concludes by saying that he is weak and God is his strength.  He implies an amazing faith- that he will trust in God no matter what.  That is what covenant making is.  It's like getting married- I will stay with you for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health.  To say that no matter what happens we will rely and believe in God is important. It means we will not be blown about by the winds and waves of circumstances.  Too many are angry at God and drive off down the road like a mad husband-- but with nowhere to go.  Habakkuk reminds us that we are better off controlling our anger and finding peace.

Prayer: May we find grace and strength to believe and follow you despite the problems and disasters of life.