Hard Times To Seek God

Habakkuk knew hard times. He knew, even more than we do, the difficulty of living among those who don’t seek God. His world makes ours look nice. Both worlds, though, need the message that Habakkuk shares from God – I am here, I know what is going on, I see you, I hear you, and I will act at the right time.

Dannah Gresh has written a heart-reaching Bible study engaging the reader with the book of Habakkuk and the life of the prophet of God. Habakkuk: Remembering God’s Faithfulness When He Seems Silent (Moody Publishers, September 2020) is an in-depth look at what was happening in the days when Habakkuk was seeking God and how he sought the Lord. He didn’t sit quietly. He was hurting, aching, and desiring for action NOW. God knew and responded. He told Habakkuk, in 1:5, “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.”

In this study, Dannah encourages us to do the same – look and watch for the Lord is going to act. Throughout the 6 week study, we are encouraged to follow Habakkuk 2:20 “The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” Be silent and listen. Be in your watchtower, as Habakkuk was in 2:1. Seek, search, and watch.

Dannah writes about six habits of living by faith, especially in times of difficulty and trouble, that we see born out in the life of Habakkuk. These six habits are keys that help us understand God when we have a posture of hurt, a heart full of pain, and cannot see the sunrise. Dannah reminds us that this is okay and by examining the life of Habakkuk and his relationship with God, we are given an example of how to seek God when He seems silent, how to sit quietly to seek him, to look for him, to listen for him, to fear him, and to praise him. Set up in two distinct parts, the study covers How to Pray When You’re Devastated and How to Hear God Through The Hurt.

This study brings together weekly podcasts or videos (same content, available online), daily readings from God’s word, readings and discussion questions from Dannah, and in-depth Bible study. The printed study is a beautifully printed book of about 225 pages and is soft-bound. The textured cover is printed in calming purples and greens. The beautiful book guides the study along day-by-day. It is truly a peaceful and beautiful study in all aspects. I would enjoy having a answer guide for those moments when I just can’t figure out what answer is expected for a given discussion question but that is a minor issue in the grand scheme of things.

My personal study has been greatly enriched by going through this study. It has brought about peace when I didn’t know I was seeking it. Looking at how Habakkuk wrestled with God in the silence was touching and I know this study will help me in the future when I am struggling. I found the podcasts and videos powerful and each time I listened, I shared statements from it online with my friends because they touched me. Her personal insight and struggles have really enlightened this study and shown how God can touch those who seek Him through His word, through Bible study, and through others who love Him deeply.

I can’t say which I enjoyed more – the daily study or the podcasts. Both were enriching with this study. I greatly appreciate how deep Dannah reaches into the Bible for this study. So many Bible studies are superficial and their daily study is intended to be a few minutes. Dannah’s is not like that and is so rich that it takes about 30 minutes of daily study. And that is without spending too much time in meditation on the word of God and the ideas for the day. This is what I desire in Bible study – rich, deep, and changing. Dannah gives us just that. I am excited to see what she comes out with next because I have been changed by this study and want to have God continue to change me through more study like this.

About Dannah Gresh

Dannah Gresh is the bestselling author, speaker, and founder of True Girl (formerly Secret Keeper Girl), America’s most popular Christian tween event. She has authored over twenty books that have been translated into twelve languages, including And the Bride Wore White and Lies Girls Believe (co-authored with Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth). Considered one of the leading experts on the subject of sexual theology and parenting tweens and teens, her resources have equipped over one million moms and leaders as they seek to raise their girls in confidence and Truth. Over 400,000 have attended her live events. Dannah is the co-host for Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s Revive Our Hearts as well as a popular guest on programs like Focus on the Family and Family Life. She has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and the TEDx stage. She lives on a hobby farm in State College, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bob, and over twenty animals.

Blessings,
Lori, At Home.

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