Waiting on the walls

June 30, 2006

By Randy Mantik

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins” (Psalm 130:5-8, NIV).

I got to thinking about these verses early one morning. I got up long before sunrise. I saw the darkness. And I sat and looked at this Scripture, thinking about what it would be like to be on the walls of a city like a watchman waiting for the dawn. As the sky began to brighten outside the living room window — ever so slightly at first, then gradually becoming brighter and brighter — some thoughts came to me and I jotted them down as the new light flooded in.

In our walk of faith, we too are like watchmen on the walls waiting for the light of morning. By faith, we know that the new morning brings new perspective. What has seemed disturbing and troubling all through the night of trial is revealed as light and momentary afflictions when morning comes.

I imagined what it would have been like to wait on the walls with those ancient watchmen those many centuries ago — mounting the ramparts of the city with eyes straining to see into the blackness. So it is in the night that can befall my soul. I am “on the wall” waiting, hoping for revelation and a reason. I watch so as not to be taken off guard in my slumber by the enemy of my soul who is sneaking through the blackness, taking every opportunity to taunt and deceive.

The prophet says, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?” The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask; and come back yet again” (Isaiah 21:11,12).

Will we watch and wait for God, even through the night? Jesus asked a pointed question: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Will we be found faithfully watching on the walls? Watching. Waiting on God.

We may not have to wait long. Our God can come through at any time. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ ” (Matthew 25:6). Jesus speaks of ten virgins here. All were waiting for the wedding party. However, some missed it because they fell asleep and ran out of oil for their lamps.

Will our lamps be trimmed and filled with oil? Will we be ready to welcome our Savior whether He comes early or late? Will our souls’ reservoirs be filled with the precious oil of the Spirit? Are we ever filling ourselves to the brim with His goodness?

Some friends had recently read through Pilgrim’s Progress again. They were impacted by this phrase used again and again in the story: “Sooner than you think and longer than you wish.”

Our night of trial and hardship may be “longer than we wish” but God’s deliverance may come “sooner than we think.” Surprise! So we wait.

“And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). Morning is coming. Each new day speaks of it. All earth waits, all creation groans for the new light of Morning.

It’s the Light that is coming after a long night. It is a Light that will not go out. “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 22:5).

My soul waits for the Morning! When will the Day come? When will it dawn and the Morning Star arise? I don’t know. But it could be with tomorrow’s first light, or even before! “Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn” (Psalm 57:8). With each new day, the promise remains. His Day will come!

Randy Mantik is senior pastor of Beecher Assembly of God in Pembine, Wis.