community group discussion guide
introduction
As we come to the final verses of Habakkuk, we see the full arch of the prophet’s journey, from trembling confusion to steadfast joy. In our final discussion, we’ll reflect on what it means to live with joy even when nothing seems to change. Habakkuk’s words challenge us to face our fears and circumstances honestly while clinging fiercely to God’s faithfulness. This is not a call to shallow optimism, but to a resilient hope grounded in the Lord’s strength. As we conclude our discussion through this series, pray that Habakkuk’s final confession will inspire you to walk with a sure-footed confidence, trusting that God will give you “feet for the heights.”
read Habakkuk 3:16-19 (NIV)
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.
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.
Take a few moments to reflect on the Scripture. Share some insights, questions, or points that strike you. Then read what follows.
the paradox of rejoicing in suffering
Habakkuk 3:16-18 brings us face to face with a spiritual paradox: the prophet is trembling with fear, yet bursting with praise. Habakkuk stands, trembling like a leaf–heart pounding, lips quivering, bones aching under the weight of dread. He does not downplay the devastation looming on the horizon–war, famine, and desolation are all imminent. And yet, in the very same breath, he declares, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be joyful in God my Savior” (v. 18). This isn’t superficial or naive optimism, or even emotional denial. It is a faith that has been tested in fire and has chosen, in the absence of every earthly reason to hope, to rejoice in the unchanging character of God. As discussed last week, the prophet looks back on the mighty deeds of God (Habakkuk 3:2), and his dread gives way to wonder–and his wonder turns into rejoicing in the unchanging character of God.
We, too, know what it is to face loss: relational conflicts and estrangements, financial insecurity, failing health, dashed hopes and dreams, etc. Like Habakkuk, we’re often tempted to believe that joy can only come if and when our circumstances improve and change. But what we see in the passage is that biblical joy does not wait for resolution. Joy springs from remembering–calling to mind the faithfulness of God throughout history, especially the work of Christ on the cross. As we do so, the Spirit enables us to resolve to treasure God above all else.
This kind of rejoicing is Spirit-wrought and a discipline; it’s a decision and ultimately, a declaration that God is enough. When Habakkuk says, “Yet I will rejoice” (v. 18), he models for us that worship is not just what flows out of us when life is good and full. We can praise God even when life is stripped bare.
- In v. 17, Habakkuk mentions six conditional clauses, possibly in ascending order of economic damage. What are some of the “figs, vines, and cattle” in your life that you look to and depend on for stability, comfort, or identity? If you were to lose them, what might make it difficult for you to still rejoice in the Lord?
- Habakkuk finds joy not in God’s blessings, but in God himself. How easy or hard is it for you to do the same? What gets in the way of finding joy in God alone?
- Interact with the idea that choosing to rejoice can become a spiritual discipline rather than just an emotional response. What do you think about this? What practical steps can help you cultivate this discipline?
the feet for the heights
In Habakkuk’s final confession, we hear not a promise of smooth paths, but of supernatural strength for every cliff and mountain (v. 19). This verse doesn’t minimize or deny the dangers of steep trails or heights, but it assures us that God himself equips us to navigate them. Just as the deer nimbly treads on the heights, so the Lord, in his faithfulness, grants us surefootedness in life’s most precarious seasons.1 Habakkuk uses the strongest names for God available by referring to him as “Sovereign Lord” (v. 19). This is the only place outside the Psalm where “Sovereign Lord” (Yahweh adonai) is used, and the names emphasize the power and majesty of God.2 And it underscores that the Lord of nature and history is intimately present to steady our every step.
When trials threaten us, and we’re faced with loss, fear, unanswered prayers, this promise calls us back to God who rules all of his creation and nature. Habakkuk looked to God, remembering God’s mighty deeds in Israel’s past. And we, too, can recall the cross, the empty tomb, and the Spirit’s power at work within us.
In an uncertain world, this truth can anchor us: though the path is steep and our footing unsure, God will not let us fall. His grace enables us to walk through our terrain and ascend, not by our might but by his Spirit. As we journey through seasons of doubt, discouragement, and despair, we can cling to a glimpse of God’s unchanging character, and renew our trust in the One who alone is sufficient for every height we face.
- Where in your life right now do you feel like you’re on rocky terrain (the heights, v. 19)? How can your CG pray and support you so that you can walk through this journey with “deer’s feet”?
- Are there any unchanged/unchanging circumstances that might be impacting your ability to rejoice?
- Reflect on the study and discussions you had through this series on Habakkuk. What has been most personally insightful for you? What is one practical application you are taking away?
1 Barker, Kenneth L.; Bailey, Waylon. Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, NAC, Broadman & Holman, 1998.
2 Ibid.
group exercise
Read and reflect on this poem. Read it again, more slowly. As a group, sit in silence, letting the words sink in. Share your reflections.
If Everything Is Lost
If everything is lost, thanks be to God
If I must see it go, watch it go,
Watch it fade away, die
Thanks be to God that He is all I have.
And if I have Him not, I have nothing at all.
Nothing at all, only a farewell to the wind
Farewell to the grey sky
Goodbye, God be with you, evening October sky.
If all is lost, thanks be to God,
For He is He, and I, I am only I.
—Dom Julian
announcements
- Monday, June 2 | Arts Industry Night, 6:30-9 pm
CFW invites all creative professionals to an evening of exploring the concept of ambition and what it means for the unique life and work of Christians who are artists. - Thursday, June 12 | Sharing Our Faith in This Cultural Moment, 7-9 pm
Pastor Bijan will present on the deep questions and longings that people have today and in light of them, consider practical tools for effectively talking with others about Jesus.
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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. Th
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