Key Takeaways

Praise changes our perspective of God. Faith grows by remembering God’s faithfulness. When circumstances shake, God still stands.

Even in the middle of fear, uncertainty, and suffering, Habakkuk chose to switch from questioning God to praising him. By remembering God’s faithfulness and trusting in his sovereignty, Habakkuk shows us that when we begin our prayers with praise and surrender control to God, we gain the right perspective and peace, even in the gap between what we expect and what we experience.

• The Book of Habakkuk – In Habakkuk 3, Habakkuk is praying through song, declaring God’s power and greatness while acknowledging his people’s deep need for mercy.
• Starting Our Prayers With Praise – Praise gives us the right perspective of God. It reminds us who God is and helps us remember that he is the source of every good thing in our life.
• Remembering God’s Faithfulness – Filling our prayers with faith means remembering what God has done before and trusting that he can move again. God’s past faithfulness gives us confidence in present uncertainty.
• God’s Sovereignty Still Stands – No matter our situation, God is still sovereign. While we may not always understand what God is doing, we can trust that he has the ultimate authority and he is working all things together for his purposes.

Want a printable version of this Message Guide? Download it through the link below!

Pray

As you pray this week, give praise to God, remember his past faithfulness, and surrender to his authority.

Heavenly Father, we praise your goodness, mercy, and power. Your blessings fill the earth and we are grateful to witness and receive them. Your ways are beyond our understanding, but we trust they are always right and good.

We remember your faithfulness through every generation. You have shown mercy, brought deliverance, and remained steadfast even when circumstances seemed uncertain. You have never failed your people, and we know you will not fail us now.

Although the world around us may seem to shake, our faith will remain unshaken. We will find joy and comfort in you, God, in every season. We surrender our plans, fears, and futures into your hands. Have your way in our lives and guide us to walk faithfully under your authority.

We offer this prayer in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and praise God for his provisions even in the waiting.

• Thank God I’m Free– Elevation Rhythm
• Can’t Help But Praise – Jordan Colle
• Deliverer – North Point Worship

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. – Habakkuk 3:1

• Scripture –Habakkuk 3:1-16
• Read – Faithful Waiting a seven day devotional
• Watch – Bible Project’s Habakkuk – Bible Project
• Listen – Habakkuk 3 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your Slot and Spot/discussions with others.

At the beginning of the book, Habakkuk brings many questions and frustrations to God. By Habakkuk 3:1–16, however, we see his perspective shift from questioning God to praising him.

• What do you think caused this change in Habakkuk’s heart and attitude?
• Why is it important to remember that trusting God does not always remove fear immediately?
• What impact do you believe praising God, even in hardships, would have on your faith?

Verse 16 shows Habakkuk still trembling with fear, yet choosing to wait quietly. What does that teach us about faith?

• Who is someone in your life who you have seen have faith even in uncertainty?
• What can you learn from their example?

God’s past faithfulness gives us confidence in present uncertainty.

• Can you think of a time in your life God was faithful?
• How does meditating on that time inform your present or future uncertainties?

Even if you haven’t clearly heard from God in your current season, what step of faith might He be calling you to take while you wait for an answer to your situation?

Next Steps

We don’t just go to church, we ARE the church! Join us for Plugged In to find your place, purpose, and part in our community of faith and begin serving on our J-team.

In the coming weeks, spend some time praying about leading a J-Group this summer. Connect with a J-Group Leader you know to learn more.

What’s one thing you learned from this message that you want to apply to your life this week? Share it in the comment section below.