Faith - Emunah

Habakkuk 2:4 says, “Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; but for the righteous will live by his faith.” (NASB)

This is referenced in the New Testament in Romans 1:17, “For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” And in Galatians 3:11, “And it is clear that no one is justified before God by the Law, because, ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”  And in Hebrews 10:38, “But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

Obviously faith is important, and that is an understatement.  Not only do those who believe in the One true living God live by it, but Hebrews 11:6 tells us “without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists”. 

The Hebrew word for faith is “emunah” which is derived from the Hebrew root “aman” which means firm or strong, as something that has been secured into place and “emun” meaning craftsman, as a craftsman who is firm and secure in his talent.  “Emunah” can then be summed up to mean someone who is firm in their actions.  Therefore, having faith isn’t simply knowing that God exists or knowing He will act, rather, someone with “emunah” is someone who will act with firmness towards God’s will. 

David says in Psalm 62:2, “He is the rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”  Of all people, David certainly acted in “emunah”.  Definitely a faith that we have trouble understanding. Faith is a substance.  It’s as real as a rock and it’s solid, firm and strong.  It is a belief; a trust in a known.  And we are to be a craftsman that acts in accordance with God’s Word in certainty and securely confident.

This is how we are supposed to live, every day.  This is how we are to think, every day.  Without it, it is impossible to please God.  Live by faith today.