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Journey through Habakkuk

Four Theological Motifs in Habakkuk

The book of Habakkuk has several theological motifs that are important to understand. A motif is a concrete image, sensory quality, action, or object that purposefully recurs in a particular narrative. However, many scholars simply define a motif as a repeating “plot-element,” and so it can be either a concrete object—like “water” in the life of Moses, such as parting of the Red Sea or striking the rock and water comes out—or an abstraction like the “abandoned-hero motif,” also observed in Moses’ early life in Exodus 2 where he flees Egypt after killing the Egyptian task master without successfully freeing the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.

Motifs underscore central points and ideas of a textual unit. Tracking the development of biblical motifs can uncover nuances of biblical thought and help shed light on biblical figures. A motif makes its point subtly but no less poignantly than an outright statement of declarative narration.

Four theological motifs can be found in the book of Habakkuk. In these three chapters, one can find teachings about God, humanity, prayer, and salvation.

Habakkuk: Theological Motif 1 – God

The reader discovers God as a revealer of truth, that He is sovereign over human history, and that God’s splendor and glory is made known throughout the earth. As God reveals himself, the reader learns that God is faithful in all circumstances and therefore, even in the midst of terrible pain and suffering, one can have hope. Because God is the God of creation who governs the world and its people, the prophet voices his complaints concerning the injustice and violence that has turned his world upside down.

Thomas writes in Habakkuk: Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary [THOTC], “Interestingly, this presentation of God in the book is achieved largely through the prophet’s complaints. God’s nature as a life-giving and death-defeating Lord is assumed, not explained, and becomes the ground of Habakkuk’s hope. Because of this, Habakkuk presents knowledge of God as creator and covenant Lord through the interchange between the prophet and God.”[1]

Habakkuk: Theological Motif 2 – Humanity

The reader learns that human reasoning will never understand God’s ways. God tells the prophet Isaiah, “For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (HSCB). In Habakkuk 1:5, God tells the prophet to look because he will be shocked and amazed at what God plans to do in Habakkuk’s lifetime – so amazed that he will not believe it even though God is forewarning him about His plans.

When God’s people have questions about their circumstances, they can approach Him, just as Habakkuk did, and ask for His revelation. Habakkuk is not the only person in the Bible that dares to question God. Moses, Jeremiah, and Job also wanted to know what God was doing. Like Job, Habakkuk had intense emotions as he screamed at God’s silence and dared to shout accusations at God as he tried to make sense of the injustice going on around him and how such injustice could occur under the sovereign rule of a just God.

While some might argue that Habakkuk’s questions demonstrate insolence before God, the reader will see a prophet who is searching for answers from the One who has them. Such prayers have the means to increase one’s faith when one is willing to bring all their emotions, doubts, and questions to God. Crying out to God in unfair circumstances does not demonstrate a lack of trust or faith in God. Rather it shows confidence that God does have the answers to our difficult problems.

Habakkuk: Theological Motif 3 – Prayer

Habakkuk helps his readers understand the importance of prayer. Just as Job turned to prayer in the midst of his suffering, so does the prophet Habakkuk. Thomas writes in Habakkuk: Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary [THOTC], “The dialogic call and response format of Habakkuk underscores a theology of prayer at work in the book.”[2] Habakkuk teaches that when one faces pain and suffering in life, prayer is both the first and best response for the people of God.

Habakkuk: Theological Motif 4 – Salvation

Lastly, we find the theological doctrine of justification by faith. The Apostle Paul quoted Habakkuk 2:4 twice (see Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11) to show that this doctrine existed within the Old Testament. Habakkuk teaches his readers that when one gives themselves over wholly and fully to God, it is never an empty quest because God is faithful to give life to those to surrender to Him.

Thomas writes in Faith Amid the Ruins: The Book of Habakkuk, “Habakkuk teaches what it means to live faithfully before God, even through tragic or confusing times. This book teaches that living faithfully before God is possible only because of the faithfulness of God.”[3] 

The people of God are capable of moving from trials to triumph and God will be faithful to defend His people when “the righteous will live by his faithfulness” (Habakkuk 2:4, HCSB). The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook states, “Steadfast, persevering trust in God for deliverance has always been the hallmark of God’s people. The final verses of the book, a hymn of faith in the God who saves, includes the remarkable confession, ‘yet I will triumph in Yahweh; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!’ (3:18).”[4]

Regardless of our circumstances, we too can make the same confession. It is in God that we will ultimately triumph. Therefore we can rejoice in the God fo our salvation in all circumstances.



[1] Thomas, Habakkuk, 38

[2] Ibid., 38-39

[3] Thomas, Faith Amid the Ruins, 9

[4] Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook, 278

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Deuteronomy 31-32

Luke 1:1-23


Praying, Meditating, and Journaling the Psalms:

Choose one of the following Psalms: Psalm 18, 49, 79, 109, or 139.

1: Read the psalm through in its entirety.

2: Take one verse at a time and pray the verse back to God as it applies to your life.

3: Meditate on the verse and ask the Holy Spirit what He is trying to teach you about God, your Christian walk, or about yourself.

4: Journal what you prayed about and the results of your meditation.

5: Move to the next verse. Continue through the entire psalm this way.

6: Write down one verse that stood out the most to you today on a 3X5 card and carry it with you throughout the day. Memorize the verse and hide it in your heart.


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Week 11: March 13-19


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With a four step Bible study approach: Talk to God; Encounter God and humanity; eXamine your heart; Talk to others, this Bible features study notes, questions and articles all designed to get you to dwell on the biblical stories; to let your heart and mind truly soak in the warmth of God’s wisdom and truth found in the Scriptures.

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Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.” Our victories come when we are on our knees praying.

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Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Kindness never goes out of style. Scatter some wherever you go.

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This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

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Praying for Revival

A daily verse about the state of our nation and time for Christians reflect and unite in prayer, asking God to send a revival across our land and turn our nation back to Him. If you long for revival in America (or your nation) we invite you to reflect on these daily verses and join us in praying for revival.

Today’s Bible verse for Revival

Praying for Revival

Father, prophet after prophet warned Israel and Judah of your coming wrath, yet their hearts were hardened against you and they did not humble themselves, pray, repent, and seek your face. Therefore, you destroyed them. The people of America have also hardened their hearts against you, scorning your commandments, tossing them away and choosing to live the way they want. They refuse to listen to the pastors you’ve given us to shepherd us and teach us your ways. The Bible has become the biggest dust collector in most American homes. But your people are praying for revival. We ask that your wrath be withdrawn and that in your love and mercy you would send a nation-wide revival so that America will once again be known by your name.

Lord, send a revival and let it begin in me.

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God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars

by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars?

This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

  • Scripture to memorize and meditate on
  • Conversation Starters
    • Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages
    • Romance Builders
    • Relationship Builders
    • Personal reflections
    • Date ideas
    • Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples

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Choose a Master

Jesus taught in Matthew 7:13, “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it.” The world’s values is a wide path that leaves lots of room for wavering and weaving. But God’s path is narrow and there is only one way – one gate – that gets us into heaven. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” There is only one way through the narrow gate and Jesus is the way. We either choose Him as our master or we choose the wide gate with the world as our master.

Either the world is the master or God is your master

The simple truth is that there is no way you can be a servant to both the world and to God. We each much choose a master. Either we will follow the way of the world, whose master is Satan or we will choose to follow God. It can’t be both ways. You can’t go through life with one foot on God’s side of the fence and one foot on the world’s side. You can’t say, “I’ll follow God on this commandment, but for this one, I choose to follow the world.” It’s all or nothing. You’re either all in for Satan – or all in for God.

The world’s way is an abomination to God

In fact, when the Pharisees thought they could serve both God and money, Jesus told them that their desire to be esteemed among men was an abomination to God. God does not approve of the world’s values.

If you say, “I’ll make God king of my heart,” then He has to be king over every part of your life. If He’s king of your heart, he’ll be king of your finances, your marriage, your words, your actions, your eyes, your feet, your hands, your parenting, your work ethics, and your hobbies. Simply put, if He’s king of your heart, He’s king in every moment and in every place you go. If He’s king of your heart, then He’s king in the day and in the night – He’s king when people are watching and when they are not. And He’s king when you’re on the internet and when you sit in front of the TV. 

You have to choose a master

You have to choose. Will you serve Satan or will you serve God. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t have two masters. Which one will you love and which one will you hate?

God, we acknowledge that we are your servants and choose you to be our Master and King. Help us to live so that the world knows who our Master is. We surrender every part of ourselves and our lives to you and invite you to be King.


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Download our Free 2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

We’ve put together 52 memory verses for you to hide God’s Word in your heart! You can download the full document for free and then print a new verse each week and as many copies as you’d like. Each verse prints four times on a page so that you can then cut them into index size cards and place them in prominent places where you will see them frequently throughout the day to help you remember to memorize them. Just because you visited our site, they’re yours for free! Download today.

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Bible Reading Plan Download

Download our Free 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan

With just 30-40 minutes per day, you can read the entire Bible in one year. The One-Year Bible Reading Plan consists of both Old Testament and New Testament readings for each day of the year. The Bible is God’s personal Word to you. What is He saying to you today? Open your Bible and find out!

[Download not found]

Download our Free Self-Care Wheel

The Self-Care Wheel provides ideas for practicing self-care in six dimensions of yourself: Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Sensory, and Social. NOTE: You will need 11X14 paper to print the wheel.

Want to know more about self-care? Our Self-Care blog series targets people who serve in any ministry position and takes a Biblical approach to self-care.

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Canvas art and posters are available in the Teespring store. Many of our Christian Tees are also available at Teespring.

To see the collection of Canvas and Poster Prints


Need some music to get you through the day? Check out one of our Playlists on YouTube

Click here for the Contemporary Christian Playlist
Click here for the Southern Gospel Playlist
Or Click here for the Hymns Playlist

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel


God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars is a book that includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

  • Scripture to memorize and meditate on.
  • Conversation Starters.
  • Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages.
  • Romance Builders.
  • Relationship Builders.
  • Personal reflections.
  • Date ideas.
  • Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples.

Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Now also available at WalMart online.

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The Pointlessness of Worrying

In Luke 12, Jesus taught that we should not be overcome with worry over the basic needs of life. Yet isn’t that difficult to do when you’re not sure how to make ends meet because you’re laid off work in the midst of a pandemic? How do we not be overcome with worry in the middle of a world-wide pandemic where so many are not just getting sick — but dying?

Giving into worry divides our attention and keeps us from trusting God

When we give in to worry, it divides our attention and distracts us from trusting God. When that happens we have a shift in focus. Instead of focusing on God, we focus on our health, finances, marriage, children, career and make these things our priority. However, we must remember that there is absolutely nothing in this world that can bring about stability, confidence or peace. If you strive after the things of this world so that they are what you live for, then your life will be filled with worry and anxiety. When our priorities and allegiances are founded in the things of this world and we place all our hope and confidence in them, we become unstable and obsessively worry about the things in life that are fleeting.

So how, then, do we shift our focus back to God and strive for living a life of abundant joy? Paul gives us four counter- attacks to worry: Prayer, Ponder, Praise and Prepare. — click to tweet

Paul’s four counter-attacks to worry

Prayer is a counter-attack to worry

“Do not be anxious [do not worry] about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

For every need we experience, we should immediately bring them to God in prayer. In fact, James 4:2 says “You do not have because you do not ask.” In Isaiah 41:10, God says, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” In Luke 12, Jesus taught that if God will make sure the birds of the air are fed, how much more would he ensure that His own children’s needs are met. God might not always meet our needs in a way that we imagine, but God does promise to meet them. So, whatever you are worried about right now, stop and pray. Prayer should always be a first point of attack against worry.

Pondering on what is commendable is a counter-attack to worry. 

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

We need to ponder over things that are eternal, such as acknowledging the blessings that God has sent us before and remembering the times He met our needs in the past. Pondering on the things of God that have eternal value – things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable – will shift our focus back from a “worldliness” point of view to a “Godliness” point of view. Pondering is our second point of attack because it is just about near impossible to both ponder on the things of God and the things we worry about at the same time.

Giving God praise is a counter-attack to worry.

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (Hebrews 13:5) Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

God wants our praise no matter what our circumstances. –Click to tweet

King David puts it this way in Psalm 150:

Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens. And Praise him for His powerful acts; praise Him for His abundant greatness. Praise Him with trumpet blast; and praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with flute and strings. And Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Hallelujah!

Praise is a counter attack to worry because you can’t worry and genuinely praise at the same time. We can praise God for how he will answer our prayers and respond to our needs even before He does because we can trust Him to keep His promises.

Being prepared is a counter-attack to worry

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)

When you pray for God to meet a need, do you say the words but in your heart don’t really expect God to do anything? God said He will meet our every need. It doesn’t mean that we get everything we want, but He will meet our needs. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” One part of this verse to pay special attention to is the tiny word “if.” This verse tells that IF we ask according to His will, THEN wen can know that He hears us.

In James 4:3, Paul wrote: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” Remember that God’s promise is to meet our needs – not every single desire. God is not a genie in a bottle to grant our every wish. It is true that at times God also graciously  gives us some of our wants, but “wants” are not part of His promise.  So, if we know that what we are asking Him for is a need that lines up with His will, what are we doing to prepare for God to meet that need as we wait expectantly for Him?

When worry does creep in, give it to God

Because we live in a broken and fallen world, there will be times that worry creeps in and tries to steal our focus away from God and the abundant joy that is ours as children of God. However, when we bring these concerns to God in prayer, ponder on things of eternal value as well as God’s grace and goodness in our lives, give Him the praise that is due Him and prepare to receive His divine answer to meeting our needs, then we can defeat worry and grow in our faith and trust of a loving, providing God. 

God, when worry tries to steal our attention away from you, help us remember to pray, ponder, praise, and prepare for your very best that you already have in mind for us. Thank you for meeting our needs. 


Revive Renew Redeem logo on self-care post

Now you can enhance your Bible Reading with the Verse Mapping Template

Our Verse Mapping download is FREE and includes 6 pages: 3 pages of instructions for using the template and the 2 page template, plus the cover page. If you’re looking to go deeper into God’s Word, learn more about God and develop a stronger spiritual life, Verse Mapping will help you dig into the scriptures. As you apply God’s Word to your life, you will develop a more intimate knowledge and relationship with God.

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Download our Free 2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

We’ve put together 52 memory verses for you to hide God’s Word in your heart! You can download the full document for free and then print a new verse each week and as many copies as you’d like. Each verse prints four times on a page so that you can then cut them into index size cards and place them in prominent places where you will see them frequently throughout the day to help you remember to memorize them. Just because you visited our site, they’re yours for free! Download today.

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Bible Reading Plan Download

Download our Free 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan

With just 30-40 minutes per day, you can read the entire Bible in one year. The One-Year Bible Reading Plan consists of both Old Testament and New Testament readings for each day of the year. The Bible is God’s personal Word to you. What is He saying to you today? Open your Bible and find out!

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Download our Free Self-Care Wheel

The Self-Care Wheel provides ideas for practicing self-care in six dimensions of yourself: Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Sensory, and Social. NOTE: You will need 11X14 paper to print the wheel.

Want to know more about self-care? Our Self-Care blog series targets people who serve in any ministry position and takes a Biblical approach to self-care.

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This week’s new Christian Tees designs:

Class of 2021

This week, we are celebrating the accomplishments of the class of 2021. If you have a high school, college, or university graduate this year, our Class of 2021 shirts and products make a great gift. View the samples below and other products in this design in our Spreadshop store. Once in the store, you can click on the customize tab and add your school name or graduate’s name!

Class of 2021

Graduating Seniors

For all the seniors celebrating graduation in a few months. Includes Jeremiah 29:11. If you have a senior graduating, this design makes a great gift.

Graduating Seniors

Here are some of our favorite designs

  • Revive Us Again, Lord

New in the Teespring Store: The Prayer of Blessing

We’ve added a new canvas print to the Teespring Store.

God instructed the Israelite priests to pray the prayer of blessing every day over the people. The prayer is found in Numbers 6:24-26. Hang the canvass in your home or carry the mug, tote bag, or water bottle and let the prayer of blessing impact all those who you meet throughout the day.

We’ve also put this design on a poster, coffee mug, a stainless steel water bottle, phone cases, and a few other products.


Need some music to get you through the day? Check out one of our Playlists on YouTube

Click here for the Contemporary Christian Playlist
Click here for the Southern Gospel Playlist
Or Click here for the Hymns Playlist

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel


God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars is a book that includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

  • Scripture to memorize and meditate on.
  • Conversation Starters.
  • Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages.
  • Romance Builders.
  • Relationship Builders.
  • Personal reflections.
  • Date ideas.
  • Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples.

Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Now also available at WalMart online.

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Bible Studies, Bibles, Books & More

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Looking for a Bible Study, Bible, book or Christian gift? We are an affiliate with Christianbook Distributors and receive an 8% commission on any item purchased through one of our links. However, the commission never increases your cost of any item. View some of our favorite items by clicking on the logo and thank you for supporting our ministry.

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