Does God just want you to be happy, or does he want something better for you?
Talking Points:
- Habakkuk started his book with a complaint and he ends with a song. It is not a happy song. It’s a song that takes into account all God has promised in his judgment against Judah and Babylon. It is a song of lament as much as it is a song of praise, and it’s a song that teaches us how to follow God in the midst of life’s deepest struggles.
- Both the faithful, like Habakkuk, and the unfaithful are going to get swept up in God’s judgment. God’s people will suffer. Suffering is a theme throughout the Bible. Even Jesus suffered. Habakkuk 3:2, Acts 14:22
- All Christians can find joy in the midst of their suffering. They know that suffering isn’t the end of the story. This isn’t sadism. Christians don’t want to suffer. It’s that suffering leads to greater joy. This was the experience of Jesus. Habakkuk 3:17, Hebrews 12:2
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is your favorite kind of music? Why?
- Read Habakkuk 3:2. Why do you think Habakkuk ends his book with a song? Describe some of the things that music has the power to do for people?
- Read Acts 14:22. What kinds of hardships have you experienced as a Christian?
- Read Luke 14:27-28. What does it mean to carry your cross today? What is the cost of following Jesus?
- Read Habakkuk 3:17. How would you describe the prophet’s attitude? How does his attitude challenge you?
- Read Hebrews 12:2 and Habakkuk 3:18-19. How can the promise of future joy enable you to endure suffering?
- How would you counsel someone who has been taught, “God only wants you to be happy”?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
