Experiencing God's Presence #203

I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says.

Habakkuk 2:1

Habakkuk wanted to “see” what God would say. John also “turned to see the voice that spoke” (Revelation 1:12, NKJV). Both knew that God’s language is often visual, and they kept their eyes open for messages from Him. They heard by watching.

Habakkuk also heard by positioning himself. He climbed up in his watchtower and waited. He understood that God’s voice rarely comes to those who aren’t vigilant enough to hear it or to those who aren’t patient enough to wait for it. God allows us to experience Him, but not if we’re casual about the prospect. In preparing people to encounter Him, He filters out those who are halfhearted—the spiritual dilettantes among us who are more interested in the things of God than in God Himself. Some people seem to have the attitude that if God wants to speak, He knows their address and will find a way to get their attention. And while God has in some situations manifested His Presence to people who weren’t looking for Him, that isn’t His preference. He honors our level of hunger. When we climb up into our watchtower and wait, He eventually speaks.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking Habakkuk is an exception among God’s people. It’s true that Old Testament prophets were somewhat rare, but God wants to speak to everyone. Scripture implies that God and His chosen servants call all people to some degree of prophetic insight (Numbers 11:29; 1 Corinthians 14:5). The living Word wants to be heard by those who have ears to hear Him. And those who set themselves apart for Him, wait, and listen are apt to recognize His voice. Those who seek will find.

Lord, I seek Your face. I’m desperate to hear Your voice. I’m watching to see what You will say, and I will wait as long as necessary to hear You. Help me position myself favorably—in vigilance and patience—and let me encounter You.

From the book