Make Room to Tremble

I heard, and I trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Rottenness entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. —Habakkuk 3:16

Even though Habakkuk knew he wouldn’t be the target, the thought of God’s wrath made him tremble. But why would he be in a state of anguish? Why dread that which wouldn’t be coming against him?

For one thing, Habakkuk knew that even though the righteous weren’t the reason for God’s vengeance, they would suffer some of its effects. Not to the same degree and not for nearly as long, but still suffering would come to them.

Also, and more importantly, Habakkuk’s fear was prompted by a heightened awareness of God’s presence. The Bible tells of others who, though eternally secure in God’s mercy, trembled— sometimes literally—at the sight of His power, especially if that power was coming for the purpose of judgment.

It’s no light thing for God’s people to encounter His presence. Though we long for it, His presence reminds us of the unfathomable greatness “of him to whom we must give an account” (Heb. 4:13). To tremble is surely the right response.
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Habakkuk: Moving from Fear to Faith (Revive Our Hearts series)

Scripture is taken from the CSB.