Habakkuk 1
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there lived a man. His name was Habakkuk. That is a strange name, isn't it? Habakkuk.
Habakkuk loved God very much. But Habakkuk was sad. And a little bit angry too.
Do you know why? Look around, said Habakkuk. Everywhere there are naughty people. People who hit. People who steal. People who tell lies. And nobody stops them!
So Habakkuk began to talk to God. He said: God, do You see it? God, do You hear me? Why don't You do anything?
Habakkuk waited. And he waited. And he waited some more. But God stayed quiet.
Then, finally, God spoke. Listen well, Habakkuk, said God. I do see it. I hear everything. And I am going to do something. Something very big.
What Does This Mean?
Habakkuk did not understand everything God said. He had to think about it for a long time. But one thing he knew for sure now: God had heard him. God was not sleeping. God was busy, even when Habakkuk could not see it.
Sometimes you can't see what God is doing. But He is there. Always.
The Common Thread
Habakkuk was allowed to talk to God about everything. Even about the hard things. Even about the sad things.
And do you know what? You may too. Because much later, Jesus came. Jesus is God's own Son. And Jesus said: come to Me. Tell Me everything. I am listening.
God always listens. To Habakkuk long ago. And to you, right now.
For You
Sometimes something happens that you don't understand. Maybe someone at school was mean. Maybe you had a big fight. Maybe you are sad and you don't even know why.
Then you can do what Habakkuk did. You can just say it to God. Out loud, or softly in your heart. God, I am sad. God, I don't get it. God, please help me.
God does not think that is silly. God likes it when you talk to Him. He bends down close, and He listens. To every word.
And sometimes God does not answer right away. Then you have to wait a little. Just like Habakkuk. But God is there. Always, always there.
Talk About It
Have you ever been sad or angry? What happened?
What would you like to tell God today?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You listen. Also when I am sad. Also when I am angry. Also when I don't understand.
You are always there. You hear me. Thank You, God.
Amen.
Questions about Habakkuk 1
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Habakkuk 1 about?
What does Habakkuk 1 say?
What does Habakkuk 1 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Habakkuk 1?
Why is Habakkuk 1 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
You make men like the fish of the sea, like the creeping things, that have no ruler over them." Habakkuk watches the strong haul people in with nets and says it out loud: it looks like nobody is in charge. He doesn't hide that from God. He brings it straight to Him. Your hardest question is still a prayer.
Habakkuk begged God to do something about the violence in Judah. God answered: "I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation." That was the answer. Worse than the silence. Sometimes God moves, and what He sends unsettles you more than the waiting did. Can you still call Him good when His answer frightens you?
Then he sweeps by like the wind, and goes on. He is indeed guilty, whose strength is his god." Babylon looked unstoppable, and God names the rot underneath it: they worshiped their own power. Ask yourself quietly what you lean on when you are afraid. If it is your own strength, it will pass by like wind, and go on.
He takes up all of them with the hook. He catches them in his net, and gathers them in his dragnet. Therefore he rejoices and is glad." Habakkuk watches cruelty win, and celebrate its winning. He does not pretend it is fine. He tells God exactly what he sees. Your honest complaint is not the failure of faith. Sometimes it is where prayer begins.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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