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Repeat Them In Our Day

                                                Lord, I have heard of your fame;

    I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
    in our time make them known;
    in wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2)

 

Do you echo this prayer? Maybe we don’t say these exact words, but I know I relate to the sentiment. Way back when, God created the universe. Later, he rescued the Jews from Egypt. In times past, He has made oil last much longer than it should have, brought people back to life, rescued people and nations, judged people and nations, healed the sick, caused the blind to see, the lame to walk, etc. We shake our heads at those who say, “Where was God when…?” but I know a part of me is disappointed when God doesn’t “show up.”

Jesus spoke of the evil generation that sought signs from Him, and that’s what we usually say to others when they ask where God was. James says we don’t have because we don’t ask or are selfish. We know we must be careful because sign-seeking can come from an attitude of power-seeking. We want power over God and others – demanding that He do as we ask to win our approval. It can also stem from a desire to control others.

When Habakkuk prayed this, was he being selfish or evil? I don’t get the impression that he was. It’s possible to want God to make His deeds known without sinning, but how do we know that’s what we’re doing? One piece of that puzzle is whether we’re seeking the sign so that God is glorified, or we’re seeking it so we’re glorified. Are we seeking God, a show that will entertain us, or revenge? Again, James says we don’t have because we don’t ask but I don’t tend to ask because I’m convinced God will say, “No” because the thing I’m not requesting is something that glorifies me. I wouldn’t know what to do if God sent a sign responding to my request.

The problem is that I am deciding for God. I’m refusing to ask so He doesn’t have to disappoint me. I’m refusing to ask so He doesn’t find fault with me. It’s safe to ask for wisdom, direction, and attitude, and His answer to those requests doesn’t involve His embarrassing Himself or me. Oh, me of little faith – once again trying to protect God. Lord, repeat them in our day!

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