Trusting God

Our bible study groups started on Habakkuk this morning. We were studying Hab 1:1-11, looking at the questions Habakkuk asks of God: "why are you not acting to right the injustice of the world?"

How long, O LORD, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?
3 Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds. (Hab 1:2-3)

Then God responds: I am going to act, but in a way you would never have dreamed of - in judgement and in the sending of the Babylonians to invade you:

Look at the nations and watch--
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.
6 I am raising up the Babylonians,
that ruthless and impetuous people,
who sweep across the whole earth
to seize dwelling places not their own. (Hab 1:5-6)

It raises the question of how God acts in the world, using ways we never would have thought of. The speaker, James, asked all of us this insightful question:

Why do we think we can only trust God when we have all the answers?

God acts in surprising ways and ways we would never act, but He is God and He is almighty, all-knowing and all-powerful.

He ended by quoting from a hymn of William Cowper, Light shining out of Darkness - I have included all the words below:

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sov'reign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fasts,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
(sourced from here)

I found it an encouraging reminder of the character of our God in whom we trust.