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 this complaint.

‘God still speaks to the waiting soul.’ F.B.Meyer.

  1. Receptivity:  Habakkuk may have a “complaint”, but he does believe God will have something to say to him on the subject. He is convinced that God speaks and he wants to hear. Indeed, he is committed to hearing;
  2. Revelation: The language is fascinating. He expects to “see” what the Lord says to him. The entrance of God’s Word brings light. As Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” (New Living Translation). As we have seen, God answers with words as well as deeds, and frequently with both;
  3. Resolution: You will see, I’m sure, the repetition of the words ‘I will.’ I think we can say that Habakkuk positions himself to hear from God. This is something we need to take into account for our own lives of discipleship. There isn’t a list of instructions to tell you exactly how to do this. Certainly, there are clues all over Scripture, but you have to work this out in your own walk with God. Find out how best you can place yourself to hear God’s voice. Of course, we can’t manufacture anything. We are not in charge of the process. We can’t determine if or when He will speak to us. But we can “station” ourselves to hear. This is about spiritual posture. (Let me just add that we must expect an almighty struggle once we do determine to wait on God. The devil hates prayer!)

‘Flee for a while from your tasks, hide yourself for a little space from the turmoil of your thoughts. Come, cast aside your burdensome cares, and put aside your laborious  pursuits. For a little while give your time to God, and rest in him for a little while. Enter into the inner chamber of your mind, shut out all things save God and whatever may aid you in seeking God; and having barred the door of your chamber, seek him.’ Anselm of Canterbury.

Prayer: Lord God, I want to hear your living word to my heart. I recognise that you will not say anything to me that contradicts your written Word, and everything must be tested by it. But I am convinced you do still speak to people today and I do not want to miss out. I pray earnestly for spiritual gifts, and especially for prophecy.