“I will stand upon my watch…” (Hab. 2:1).
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
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.