Watchmen on the wall were on the lockout for four things:
1) fires from brush areas reaching the city
2) wild animals which lived in the jungle - like vegetation along the Jordan River and which stealthily approached inhabited areas when driven out of their dens by flood
3) invading armies which sometimes crawled into position under cover of darkness
4) the dawn.
Once the sun rose, the watchmen were relieved of their responsibility. Along with fire, wild animals, and enemy forces, the rising sun occupied the thoughts of the watchmen of ancient times.
Habakkuk had a great hunger and thirst for the Son of righteousness. He had spiritual longings and desires. More than anything else, he wanted to meet God. He had an intensity that drove him relentlessly in his pursuit of God's visitation. We learn a great lesson from Habakkuk. The Lord honored his quest and fulfilled his heart's desire. All because he was faithful at his post of duty.
"I will stand upon my watch." In other words, "I want the Lord so much I will not be satisfied until He comes and meets me." Going away is not the answer to your situation. Taking a sabbatical will not do it. Retreats, advances, seminars, and conferences all add something of value to life.
But Habakkuk would tell us his answer came when the Lord visited him at his post where he stood guard with commitment and fidelity: "I will stand upon my watch. I will wait and see." The Lord answered Habakkuk. He will answer you. Stand upon your watch. Bloom where you are planted!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
