Thankful Through the StruggleSample

How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Habbakuk 1:1

Day 1: Thanking God When Life Feels Empty (Habakkuk 1)

The Prophet’s Honest Complaint
Habakkuk, one of the minor prophets, stands out in the prayer department. With only three chapters, his book captures a raw conversation between him and God. From the start, Habakkuk doesn’t mince words; he dives straight into complaint: “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2). We can almost feel his desperation as he looks at the chaos around him, wondering why God seems silent in the face of evil. Maybe you’ve prayed similar prayers in your moments of struggle, feeling that God’s silence adds weight to an already heavy heart.

God’s Comforting Response
But God’s response to Habakkuk is a comforting reassurance: “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5). God promises that His plan still prevails, even when circumstances seem out of control. He assures Habakkuk that while life feels overwhelming, God is still at work, orchestrating a plan beyond what we can see or imagine.

When Questions Arise
Like many of us, Habakkuk’s next reaction is to question. Why would a loving, all-powerful God allow so much suffering? We’ve all asked similar questions: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” “Why pray if nothing changes?” Habakkuk reminds us that these questions are not only normal but also necessary for our spiritual growth. God can handle our hardest doubts. Yet, Habakkuk’s story also teaches us that prayer is about more than seeing answers. Prayer invites us into deeper communion with God, a chance to draw near to Him and allow our hearts to be transformed.

Moving to the Watchtower: A New Posture in Prayer
While Habakkuk’s circumstances hadn’t changed, his heart began to shift as he chose a new posture before God. Rather than continuing to speak over God’s response, Habakkuk moved to his “watchtower,” where he decided to “look and listen.” His posture was not commanding but one of waiting, listening, and seeking understanding.

Putting on Listening Ears
Imagine the shift from frustration to faith that Habakkuk must have felt. Like a child learning to listen for the first time, he put on “listening ears” and heard what God had to say. When my children were little, they’d all try talking at once, drowning out each other and me. I’d gently say, “Let’s put our listening ears on,” a small gesture that changed the noise into attentive silence. That’s what Habakkuk did—he quieted his heart and chose to listen. God then responded by saying, “Write down the revelation” (Habakkuk 2:2), encouraging him to record His words.

Thankfulness in Desperation
When we find ourselves in desperate situations, we, too, are invited to bring our frustrations to God. But like Habakkuk, we’re also invited to pause, put on our “listening ears,” and wait. This posture helps us find assurance that God hears us, even when we can’t see the full picture of His plan. In these moments, we learn to thank Him, not because everything has changed, but because He has promised to be with us through it all.

Reflection and Gratitude
Today, try using a prayer journal or gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re thankful for, even if they’re small or unseen. Your perspective may shift as you pour out your heart, allowing gratitude to grow even in the struggle. Trust that as you listen, God will deepen your faith, helping you see His hand and hear His voice in new ways.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Thanks for reading Day 1; see you tomorrow!