What does it mean to live by faith? I’m not sure there’s a simple answer to that question, but one practice may provide evidence. Tye Tribbett sings about it in his song “Anyhow” — trusting and praising God no matter what comes our way.
Let’s explore the life and times of a prophet whose complaint to God could have been written this morning and whose prayer we can mimic in our own lives.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week’s Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Reading in context
- Read and keep on reading
- Repetition
- Consult an overview
- Follow the cross-reference
- Our circumstances can cloud our view of God – “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby
- An introduction to the prophet Habakkuk
- Habakkuk’s “hallelujah anyhow” conclusion – Habakkuk 3:17-19
- How we “need to appreciate how {Habakkuk’s conclusion} derives from a serious engagement with the issues of God’s justice if {we} are to appreciate just how radical it is.” – ESV Expository Commentary: Daniel–Malachi (Volume 7)
- Getting our bearings with a brief introduction to the book of Habakkuk – BlueLetterBible.org
- Gaining clarity through a deeper overview – TheBibleProject.com
- Habakkuk’s complaint that could have been written today – Habakkuk 1:2-4
- God’s astounding response – Habakkuk 1:5-11
- Habakkuk’s concern with how God’s response seems opposed to His character – Habakkuk 1:12-13
- God’s introduction to the phrase “the righteous will live by faith” – Habakkuk 2:2-4
- Following the cross-references
- Romans 1:16-17
- Galatians 3:2-3, 11
- Hebrews 10:32-39
If God chooses to answer in a way that doesn’t seem right to us, may we live by faith and sing hallelujah anyhow, trusting in our faithful God.
Enjoy the official music video of this week’s song below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Lyrics
- Story Behind the Songs – Tye Tribbett – YouTube Video (start at 28:30 to hear specifically about “Anyhow”
Weekly Challenge
Read the entire book of Habakkuk (all three chapters) several times. Then, watch an overview video or read the introduction in your study Bible. Identify the comparisons to our own time and carefully observe how God replies. Track down the cross-references we mentioned in Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews. Finally, spend some time internalizing Habakkuk’s conclusion — singing hallelujah anyhow.
