The Uncertain Times We Live In
Weltschmerz is a term coined by the German author Jean-Paul, literally world-pain, also world-weariness. In its original meaning in the Deutsches Wörterbuch (German dictionary by Brothers Grimm) it denotes a deep sadness about the inadequacy or imperfection of the world. In the aftermath of our fight against covid and related outcomes, we are facing weariness and vexation, especially in the light of current events, both locally and globally, and the resultant uncertainty.
Wars have erupted in many places, economic upheavals are becoming the norm of the day, disease and outbreaks seem to dog us, and food crisis seems to loom around the corner. Life has truly become uncertain and unpredictable, with randomness being the one constant factor of daily living. The world as a whole cannot seem to settle down, and existence is longer fixed or stable. The aspect of unexpected change has become the only constant, and we seem to have no smooth sailing at all. Just when you think the going is good, we hit a bump in the road. Our refrain and response these days seems to be ‘Oh no, not again, when will this end!’
In the face of all this, we are not just tired, but also bewildered at the turn of events since we haven’t faced anything like this before. Neither did the previous generations, and so, when we turn to them for advice, they also seem to be baffled. Flummoxed with this new way of life and how to process it, we don’t know where to look for help. We are seeking answers for the many questions that plague our mind. We need it quickly since life doesn’t wait for you to process in leisure or peace!
The Keys in Scripture
Yet, we are not without help or sustenance for the Bible does have some clues and answers for us. We can surely identify and connect with the prophet Habakkuk, for he did live in a time and season that was similar to ours, and which raised questions in his mind. He was puzzled about many things and he set about seeking answers to his genuine doubts. His book is an apt read for this season, being an accurate reflection of his mindset and his progress through his perplexity.
Perusing and studying the book of Habukkuk will give us an idea of how to handle our current times and the attending Weltschmerz. Let’s see what he was worried about and how he resolved his problems!
Habakkuk noted that his nation had become filled with violence and wrongdoing. Everywhere he looked, he saw strife, conflict and destruction. Habakkuk knew that he and his people were chosen by God and belonged to Him. Then why did God choose to be silent and without taking any action when the nation was filled with such violence and conflict? Why did He not bring justice and back up His law by punishing those who did evil?
God’s reply was that He was going to punish and discipline Israel by an enemy nation. Now Habakkuk is even more confused and at a loss. His question: How could You God, our own Protector and Preserver, sell us to our bitter foes? How could You use foreigners who are more corrupt to discipline us, Your own people who are trying to live by Your laws? How could You, a holy God Who hates treachery, use a wicked people to fulfil Your will and Your purposes, especially with regards to Your own inheritance?
Habakkuk’s question wasn’t a matter of doubting his God or testing Him, but a dispute and puzzle of faith!
The Dilemma of Faith Living
Many of us can identify with Habakkuk’s quest of of faith. Like him, we’re not questioning God and His power, but His seeming abandonment of the righteous. We are often puzzled about how and why the bad people seem to thrive and prosper. We wonder how those who strive to live and be good are put at the mercy and behest of the same vicious ones. Why would a holy and righteous God use renegades who delight in brutality to rule over or penalize the good people? If He wanted to streamline His people, why not do it some other way? Why does He allow their lives to be under the mercy of the merciless? That’s the predicament we will face with God, one time or another!
Note that Habakkuk did not question God. He genuinely wanted clarifications for what stumped him about God. He knew his God and therefore could not understand this aspect of God – how could He use the unrighteous His instruments? It went contrary to all that Habakkuk knew of God, His ways and His nature!
Habakkuk not only enquired and voiced out questions to clarify his honest confusion, but he also waited and gave time for God to get back to him with a reply. He said “I will stand like a guard and watch. I will wait to see what the Lord will say to me. I will wait and learn how He answers my questions.” (Habakkuk 2:1 ERV).
He not only asked questions, but also looked and listened for His answer. Habakkuk stood watch for it like a watchman on the walls of a city.
The Quandary of Life Today
Habakkuk’s dedication and devotion to wait until he heard from God are key to his hearing God. It is the mark of his trust in God. He knew that God would indeed answer him, and not ignore his search of faith. His willingness and faithfulness to watch until he received an answer from God demonstrates his stance and stand of faith.
This is where we fail and are different from Habakkuk. We don’t take the time to wait, nor have the tenacity or the patience to tarry for an answer from God. After asking queries or raising enquiries, too often we just scurry away do our own thing. We give no time for God to answer nor watch for His reply. Many times we just move on to our next project that captures our attention. Then, we form our own conclusions about what constitutes the answer to our queries.
We don’t listen to what God has to say and so erroneously conclude many things, especially about the nature of God. ‘God tells the man who cares’ is a true saying. You need to understand that He has His timing. In the right season, in the correct moment, He will always answer the one who cares to wait for Him.
God did answer Habakkuk and made him to understand His ways. He showed him that when the wicked have fulfilled their role as a tool to discipline the righteous, they would be punished. God would not overlook their evil deeds. In the due season would destroy those who make violence a way of life. Their turn would come when they would indeed drink of the cup of God’s wrath and destruction.
God would call to account those who trust in riches. They feel safe from trouble because of it, and the reason they feel safe to bully others. They think they are inaccessible, but God in His own time would deal with them.
The Keys from the Prophet Habakkuk
In seasons of distress, when evildoers seem to go unpunished, it is time for ‘the just to live by faith’. In the season of trouble, it is important to realize that God is still on the throne. Soon there will come a day when the knowledge of Him would cover the earth as the waters do cover it.
While the unrighteous are busy gathering riches by hook or crook so that they would be protected and free from disaster, God’s people will trust in Him. God assures Habakkuk that those who are truly innocent will be preserved through the coming judgment. They’ll be kept in the time of oppression by their godly lifestyle, since God truly rewards the right way of life.
In contrast, those that are full of evil desires, greed, and extortion will not be able to withstand God’s judgements nor His punishments. They will indeed face the consequences of their conduct and careless living.
In spite of troubled lives, we need to realize that God is indeed on the throne. One day the whole earth would recognize and acknowledge the presence and glory of God. This is our anchor and safety that will hold us to right conduct and trust. Ultimately, those who choose to live unruly and unscrupulous lives will be punished. They will not escape surely, even though for now it looks as if they are successful and untouchable.
The Aftermath of Life After Answers
With his questions answered and his focus clarified, Habakkuk now changes his stance. He responds with a prayer, a song and a confession of faith.
Habakkuk prays to God to demonstrate His power as of old. He pleads with Him to remember to be merciful, even when He is angry with His people and doling out His punishments.
The Prophet composes a song proclaiming the might and majesty of God. With joy, he declares His glory. Now that his questions have been answered, he extolls His power over all.
He also makes a decision and a resolve to thank God, whatever may happen, or whichever circumstance he may find himself in. He determines that he will still, sing, and thank God. In loss or gain, he will content himself with the thought that God is the One who keeps him safe, always.
Habakkuk ends with a bold and positive declaration. He proclaims: “The Lord God causes me to be strong. He makes my feet run safely over the rocks and hills, like a deer ‘s feet.”
The Means and Ways to Handle Weltschmerz
Habakkuk found a way out of his doubts and a means to overcome his Weltschmerz, his world-weariness.
He took his troubles to God, watched and waited for Him to answer, thus finding a solution to his questions. The Prophet finds rest in the ensuing vision he had of God. He receives solace from His power towards those who are His very own.
How are you handling your questions and queries, your misgivings and your misfortunes, your woes and your Weltschmerz?
Are you drowning yourself in some addiction, or taking it out your frustration on others, or bullying those under you?
Or are you imitating a man who also had doubts, but found a way out to solid faith?
Learn from and imitate Habakkuk in knowing how to handle your deepest anguish.
Turn and return to God for closure on your concerns and compelling issues.
Move over from a world-view that gives you Weltschmerz, and evelop a God-view that enlarges your vision to see beyond the natural, by faith!
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