I will stand like a guard and watch. I will wait to see what the LORD will say to me. I will wait and learn how he answers my questions. (Hab 2:1)
On the 3rd anniversary today, of my late wife’s death from ovarian cancer, there are still struggles with grief. With trying to live now, for now. Instead of living now, for then. Somedays I struggle to find a sensible balance.
The watchman and watchtower, often used by the prophet Habakkuk and others to show an attitude of expectation (Isa 21:8, Isa 21:11; Jer 6:17; Ezekiel 3:17), are pictures of the attitude of patient waiting and watching for God’s response, that we can still have today.
I am finding that there is very little real waiting on God for help. There is no tangible help from God. Without watchful expectation on our part.
Most of us inherently know how we need to grieve. But society, peer pressure, cultural leanings insist that we do it faster. The problem may not be us. There is something wrong when people forget how sacred grief is.
Whenever we fail to receive strength or defense from Jesus, perhaps it is due to us not being on the outlook for it? Society in general just tells us to hurry up and forget it, or “move on.” (whatever that means??)
I have found that many a comfort offered from Heaven flies right past me, because I am not standing on my “watch-tower” to catch the sometimes far off indications of what Jesus is offering me in my grief and sorrows, and to open the door of my heart, for His entrance.
The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to [every day ordinary people]. (Psalms 119:30)
Those of us whose expectation does not lead to being on the alert for its coming will get so much less of God’s comfort and guidance. Watch for God in the events of your life. We all tend to find what we are looking for:
And you shall seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jer 29:13)
Back in the days of Habakkuk’s times, stone watchtowers were built on city walls or ramparts so that watchmen could see people (enemies or messengers) approaching their city while still at a distance. Watchtowers were also erected in vineyards to help guard the ripening grapes (Isa 5:2). Habakkuk wanted to be in the best position to receive God’s message. The watchtower.
One of the very best positions for me to receive God’s responses to my grief is that I “watch” or expect something from God that helps, and I do that out in the wilderness. I listen to the wind; I know what direction to go. I plant my feet on the earth or on the side of a mountain, I know how to find balance. I watch the flickering flame of the campfire, I learn to dance to my own beat. I feel the water in the creek or the mountain lake, I know how to go with the flow. I see the alpine flowers and know that something beautiful will always be available. I look at the clouds above, and realize there is light in the clouds, here below.
Truly, “nature” is my greatest teacher. There IS light in every cloud. Expect it.
What is the best way for you to hear God’s response to you and your situation? What are your thoughts? You may comment at the end of this article, online here.