Faith Living…

 “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.—Habakkuk 2:4

Obviously, the “proud” here refers to the King of Babylon and the Chaldeans and the “just”to the believing remnant of Israel.  The former would die in their pride and the latter live...by their faith.  God differentiates between the wicked and the righteous. The wicked are puffed up trusting in themselves.  The righteous live by faith trusting God moment by moment.  The literal rendering in Habakkuk's context, is "By his faith the just shall live." It could also be paraphrased "the justified-by-faith-one shall live." Faith is not a one time act, but a way of life.  The true believer perseveres in faith as the pattern of his life. 

This “faith” living is hard for me.  I find myself going backwards daily...returning to worry and fear rather than trust and faith.  I keep at it though and my perseverance has blessed me in that I am beginning to feel a  sweet joyful peace and sense of relief as I cast the burdens that He has allowed in my life back on Him who promises to sustain me through them all.  I come to Him when I am laboring and heavy laden and He truly does give me rest.  He is a gentle Savior.  His yoke is easy and His burden light.  

God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.—1 Peter 5:5b-7

As we see at the end of Chapter 3 this kind “faith living” triumphs! Praying that we, like Habakkuk, can trust in God and go in His strength.  

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God* is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.—Habakkuk 3:17-19

Paul’s attitude in Philippians 4 also comes to mind:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.—Philippians 4:4-8

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christfn who strengthens me.—Philippians 4:11-13

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.—Philippians 4:19-20