Advent Devotion – December 4 – Cal Clark & Cayman Welser

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not listen?

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 3:17-19

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 3:17-19

As the prophet Habakkuk writes his oracle, the Babylonians have not yet conquered the Israelites, but they are rising in power. The people of Israel fear an imminent attack. They see the violence the Babylonians have imposed elsewhere and wonder if God will protect the people from their enemies. Despite the violence and the destruction, Habakkuk concludes that God is the Israelites’ strength and salvation, even amidst chaos and suffering.

– Michael

What is this prophecy about?
When I picture this story, I imagine Habakkuk on his knees on a mountain talking to God about all of the bad things happening around him. But, even though bad things are happening, Habakkuk encourages us to celebrate God and have hope in God.

– Cal Clark

What do we learn about living a human life?

There are a lot of times in our life where humans lose hope. Being human is not always fair. Sometimes we do not get what we want, but most of the time we receive what we need. There are times when we question God and if God is actually there for us. For example, this summer when California and Australia were on fire, we had rising cases of coronavirus, and tensions were rising between countries. During these times, it is difficult to imagine that God is present in the world.

What do we learn about God? What does God do for God’s people?

God is present and God is everywhere even when bad things happen. God is in control, so even when a bad thing happens we should remain confident that God is there. God also gives us each thing that we need. Even when there is violence, God is there to help and encourage us.

God gives me hope when . . .

· God gives me hope even when there are bad things happening around us. When I see small things start to improve, I become reassured that God is there and that God is in control and that things will get better.

– Cal Clark

· When I am feeling down or upset about something, I know that God is present to help me with whatever I am going through.

– Cayman Welser

Cal Clark
Cayman Welser
FPC Youth Group

Core Idea: Faith is trusting in God’s saving power even when God’s presence is not evident.