Watch and Wait
I have been learning about the purpose of prayer and today was reading about intercession. The scripture reference was Habakkuk 2:1-2 with the commentary that when we are perplexed we should “watch and wait.” I considered what it means to “watch.” I searched for other verses about “watching.” God gave me exactly the encouragement and comfort I need for this journey against cancer.
The words of the Psalmist in Psalm 121:5 say, “The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand.” I felt the arms of the Holy Spirit wrap around me and the umbrella of my Father’s love cover me. Jesus is my “watchman,” the one interceding for me.
In Psalm 32:8 I read, “The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” I do not need to try and determine each next step, as God will guide me along the “best pathway” for this journey. I can rest in his “advice” and the knowledge that He “watches over me.” The acceptance of this truth brings me tremendous peace, far beyond what I can express or fully comprehend.
As a student of the scripture, I simply cannot jump into the second chapter of Habakkuk without knowing what happened in the first chapter. Why did Habakkuk need to “stand watch” and see what God would say? I read the prophetic words of destruction coming to the people whom Habakkuk loved. He stood to intercede for these “sinful” people waiting and watching for an answer from God. His answer came from God and then Habakkuk closed his letter with a prayer to God.
The last sentence he wrote spoke volumes to my heart and soul. “The Sovereign Lord is my strength, he makes me as surefooted as a deer and will bring me safely over the mountains.” I marveled that the “Sovereign God” will be my strength. The words from Isaiah rang in my ears, as I began to grasp God’s message to me, “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” God is with me on this journey. As I have waited on him and grown closer to him, he will be my strength to finish this journey and conquer the mountains ahead of me. I will not grow weary. I will not faint. I will walk “sure footed” through the loss and pain and suffering. I will soar over the mountain to days of joy, laughter and celebration for He watches over me.
