Not every message is made for every season. Often our understandings of God and how God functions limit God’s speech to platitudes and orthodoxy. While some patterns of behavior persist in every age, the unexpected happens. Our lives shift in seasons, and the world changes in astonishing and sometimes grievous ways. We all respond differently to these large swings. Some people depend on old modes of being and others find it necessary for a fresh response to the situation.

Habakkuk’s story reflects the need for a fresh word in new and difficult times. The prophet is discontent with the political and economic institutions of Jerusalem; he is vexed by the persistence of corruption in God’s sacred space. So he is ensconced in an existential question: If God is just, where is God in an unjust world?

For many people this question leads to doubt and disengagement with God. However, Habakkuk realizes his obligation to engage with God even when that dialogue is fraught. Today’s readings present two complaints the prophet lobs at God and two responses. The prophet demands from God an answer to the question of how long the suffering will persist. God’s initial answer is insufficient and so Habakkuk persists. He first persists in his petition but then the prophet declares: “I will stand at my watchpost . . . [and] keep watch to see what [God] will say to me.” Habakkuk is persistent in his desire to be faithful to God’s response.

Too often we lob complaints at God without understanding our responsibility to stand at our watchpost and see how God will respond. Habakkuk calls us to be steadfast in our determination to make the world better and to seek justice by continuing to actively wait for God’s message. God’s response is pointed. Don’t be passive. God tells the prophet to “write the vision; make it plain.” God’s deliverance of God’s people requires each of us to listen for God’s voice and then actively participate in redemptive moments.