Habakkuk was a prophet in Judah, during a time when Judah was taken over by sin. They were worshiping idols, sacrificing their children to pagan gods and completely ignoring God.
King Jehoiakim refused to listen to God’s prophets and even went to the extreme of burning their writings.
As you have learned so far, Habakkuk cried out to God, not understanding why they had to endure so much sin and evil. As hard as it was for him to wait on God’s answer, he chose to be faithful to God and answers God with:
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to his complaint.” Habakkuk 2:1
What do we know about these ancient cities? They were built with a wall for protection. The ramparts were outside the city walls and were the first line of defense.
Habakkuk was saying that he’ll be like a watchman whose purpose was to stand on the towers and watch for invasions or messengers. He would stand outside the walls, ready and waiting for God to answer his question.
We often give up on God if He doesn’t answer right away or in our time. God’s timing is not equivalent to our timing. That is hard for us since we are accustomed to “instant gratification”.
Like Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, “I want it and I want it now". We expect answers when we want them and we want them now. Habakkuk, though, was willing to wait.
Wait on the Lord.
Psalms 27:14 “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
What situation are you currently facing that you have asked over and over for God to intervene? Maybe its a situation where you work, a marriage, or a family situation. How do we stand firm in our faith and wait for God’s answers?
Can we be like Habakkuk? Can we be like watchmen and wait? Can we get outside our situation and look at it from a different perspective? There is no one answer for how to do this. It will look different for each person, however, there are some principles to consider;
Actively seek God.
Isaiah 55:6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”
Give your situation to God, He will bear your burdens.
Psalms 55: 22 “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.”
Be patient.
Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Have faith.
Matthew 21:22 “and whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Look at Romans 12:12. Patient in affliction. This is exactly what Habakkuk was doing. Being patient and watching for the Lord.
What are you struggling with today? What trouble do you have in your life that you are anxious about? We often react in fear when facing trials. Are you willing to EXCHANGE your fear for PATIENCE?
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to his complaint.” Habakkuk 2:1
Pray these verses as often as you need to. Write them down and keep them in front of you to help you be patient and to wait and watch for the Lord.
Vicky Hodson