More Than My 3-Pound Brain Can Fathom

“Look among the nations, and see;

wonder and be astounded.

For I am doing a work in your days

that you would not believe if told.

Habakkuk 1:5

Dear Doxa,

I am finite. I notice this when I walk the dog alongside the river with the sunrise slowly stalking me. I noticed years ago as I stood on the cliff, staring down at the waves in Southern California. Even the cool wind grazing my face before the break of day in Montana reminded me again of my finitude. These experiences could and should be marked as obvious reminders that I am yet dust, like the Psalmist, and God's majesty is infinitely more than my 3-pound brain can fathom.

However, the 'Not So Obvious' aspects and experiences in life are difficult to reconcile with God's majesty. The things I can explain and understand about God and His character, as you might expect, are the ones that bring my heart comfort, peace, and joy. But the other things, not so much. I am sure you have felt what I mean. When pain, confusion, or evil prospers, we are unsettled and often find it difficult to understand or trust God. God is mysteriously and perfectly wise, even if I don't understand it.

We find the prophet Habakkuk in this very place. He had a burden about what was unfolding before his eyes that he could not reconcile because of his understanding about God and God's Covenant with His people. So his burden pushed him to the Lord. In a series of complaints, the Lord spoke to Habakkuk. Yet, the Words of the Lord to the prophet of complaint were unexpected. As we will see, Habakkuk will face the reality of God's character. God is mysterious in accomplishing His desired purposes. During our time in the book of Habakkuk, we too, like the prophet, will see that the Lord is Strange, Yet Sovereign.

Soli Deo Gloria,