Scripture Guide

Habakkuk 3:1-15

Series Resources
THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE:

LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps. He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed— but he marches on forever. I saw the tents of Cushan in distress, the dwellings of Midian in anguish. Were you angry with the rivers, LORD? Was your wrath against the streams? Did you rage against the sea when you rode your horses and your chariots to victory? You uncovered your bow, you called for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers; the mountains saw you and writhed. Torrents of water swept by; the deep roared and lifted its waves on high. Sun and moon stood still in the heavens at the glint of your flying arrows, at the lightning of your flashing spear. In wrath you strode through the earth and in anger you threshed the nations. You came out to deliver your people, to save your anointed one. You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness, you stripped him from head to foot. With his own spear you pierced his head when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though about to devour the wretched who were in hiding. You trampled the sea with your horses, churning the great waters. – Habakkuk 3:1-15 (NIV)

Have you noticed that the older we get, the harder it is to remember? It’s becoming more frequent that I’ll walk into my kitchen for a glass of water, and as soon as I approach my fridge, I completely forget why I was there in the first place. In the Old Testament, one of the most consistent themes we see is that God’s people are a forgetful people. But it’s not calendar appointments or work meetings they’re forgetting—they’re forgetting God. They forget all God has done throughout the generations, all the ways He’s demonstrated His providential care and faithfulness. And what’s the result of their forgetfulness? Generations who forget the Lord and His Word. 

Habakkuk 3:1–15 (NIV) reminds us that there’s power in remembering. Habakkuk says, “I’ve heard of your fame, I stand in awe of your deeds.” Well, what deeds? He then goes on to recount the ways God demonstrated His faithfulness and power by marching downward to Egypt to deliver His people, the story seen in earlier Old Testament books, Exodus through Joshua. “God would rise from the east (Teman) and head westward (Paran) to deliver his people. . . . Yahweh ‘rises’ like the sun in Teman and marches his way toward Egypt. His march is accompanied by praise and majesty in earth and sky.” 

And by recounting this story, Habakkuk’s reminded that the God who provided and delivered back then, can do it again. The same God who overthrew evil and corrupted leaders could do the same again. There’s real power in our memory of God’s works. These memories stir our faith and give us hope! It’s these memories that enable Habakkuk to pray and praise.

When we take time to remember God’s work in our own lives, we’re reminded that we live every day in the palm of His hand. The same God that worked back then can do it again—and He can work in our time and in our day!

Read this week’s Scripture in addition to these supporting Scriptures: Psalm 77:11–14, Deuteronomy 8:2–18, Joshua 4:20–24

Study Questions:

  • In Habakkuk 3:1–15, what specific works of God does Habakkuk remember?
  • What do these verses reveal about God’s strength and glory?
  • Why do you think Habakkuk turns to remembering God’s past deeds after wrestling with hard questions in chapters 1–2?
  • How does remembering God’s faithfulness in the past help you endure uncertainty in the present?

Meditate on this week’s passage and ask yourself these questions.

  • What stuck out to me through this passage? 
  • What’s God showing me?
  • What truth can I take with me into today?

God’s Word invites transformation. Today’s about putting what you’ve learned into practice.

  • When I think about God’s work in my life, what’s the one memory that comes to mind? How might I keep that memory in my mind so I don’t fall into the habit of forgetting? 
  • Based on what I just learned about God, what habits, attitudes, or changes do I need to make?
  • What can I take away from this passage and apply to my life?

Application Challenge: 

Remembering is not passive. You must choose to remember and create rhythms of remembrance so  you can make it a habit. This week, take time to write out your favorite memory of God’s work in your life. Take it a step further by sharing that story with your family, neighbors, coworkers, or your small group.

Scripture to Pray:

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”—Psalm 77:11–12 (NIV)

Guided Prayer:

“Stir up your power, O Lord, and come among us with great strength. Because our sins so easily hinder us, let your generous grace and mercy quickly help and deliver us. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, belong honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.”—Book of Common Prayer, Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent (Modernized)

Looking back on this week’s Scripture, remember that God’s past faithfulness strengthens your present faith and gives you hope to trust Him again in the uncertainty of today.

  • What’s one way I can enjoy God’s presence through rest, relationship, or serving others? 
  • What blessings can I thank God for as I reflect on this week? 

This weekend, set aside intentional time to go to church, do something you love with Jesus, and connect with others.

Group Discussion Guide:

Pick your favorites to discuss with your group, family, or friends.

  • Why do you think we are so quick to remember our fears, failures, and disappointments, but so slow to remember God’s faithfulness?
  • What story are you most tempted to live inside right now: “God has forgotten me,” or “God has been faithful and will be faithful again”?
  • Where in your life do you need to say, “Lord, I have heard of your fame; renew your deeds in our day”?
  • What are some “stones of remembrance” in your life—moments, people, prayers, or seasons that remind you God has carried you before?
  • How does forgetfulness shape a person spiritually over time? What kind of person do we become when we stop remembering God?
  • Habakkuk does not remember God’s works as nostalgia, but as fuel for faith. What would it look like this week to remember in a way that actually changes how you pray, wait, or obey?
Group Leader Resources