Contentment: The Song of Habakkuk
‘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, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.’ (Hab 3:17-18)
The tenth commandment forbids coveting anything that belongs to your neighbour. To covet means to selfishly desire or want and attempt to acquire what does not belong to you. It is the desire of many youth to ‘fit in’ – to be trendy and enjoy the company of friends with shared style and material status. It has also been discovered that abundance of money never brings satisfaction – the rich person somehow always naturally wants more and more; many go ahead to acquire more in ways displeasing to God. Paul preached contentment to Timothy and those who care to listen even now: But godliness with contentment is great gain (1Tim 6:6) – that contentment (continual serenity, satisfaction and gladness) which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God.
Habakkuk’s third and last chapter is a prayer but set to music with specified instruments – I choose to call it a song. God has already answered the prophet’s two complaints in the first two chapters; although the ugly situation is still before him – violence, corruption and many evils among his countrymen, and worse wickedness in the neighbourhood – God’s Word restores hope. All Habakkuk has is the promise for God’s divine intervention that is on its way. He remembers the wonders God has done in the past and prays that this work be revived that these wonders may be seen even today. In his recollections, the prophet pours out a description of a dynamic and dramatic move of God to deliver His people against all odds! This is the basis of Habakkuk’s confidence; he was once unsettled, now he is calm; he was once anxious and worried, now he is peaceful and content.
Contentment does not mean laziness and indifference. It is not resignation without vision or leaving things to God without seeking His face. Real contentment has only come to Habakkuk after wrestling with God and hearing from Him. As much as God hates the fighter who goes his way and desires to bring change with one’s own might and power, God also hates the lazy fellow who does nothing in the name of ‘leaving things to God’ without action-faith or prayer.
What robs you of contentment? Whether it is the trends of the time or the desire for more material possessions or the corruption and inadequacies of public administration, follow the prophet’s example: play your part actively with determination, and also pour it all out to God with the patience to wait and attentiveness listen from Him. Then you will be able, like Habakkuk, to rejoice in the LORD, and be joyful in God your Saviour.
God bless you.