Habakkuk 2:1-4

“Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.” vs. 4

When we look at the state of the world around us it’s hard not to lose heart and adopt a pessimistic attitude concerning the future. The reasoning of the pessimist seems sound: leaders of nations are arrogant and corrupt and use their power to dominate and control. That’s the way it’s always been and that’s the way it will always be. End of story! With that as a worldview there is little incentive to look for change, work for good or even believe in God. But Habakkuk says there’s another way to live, he calls it the way of the righteous. Such persons live with a vision in their minds and hearts that transcends the ugliness of the world around them. They trust in a future dominated by God’s justice and mercy, a peaceable kingdom in which love abounds. That faith draws them onward in every circumstance and pulls them through every form of suffering. These people of faith first described by Habakkuk have been present in every age, and we continue to draw strength from their presence and vision. They simply do not believe that evil has the last word, no matter how dominant it may seem, and tirelessly proclaim the goodness of God. In their joyful presence our hearts find healing and our spirits are made right.

Thought for the Day: What is my vision of the future?