Learning to Listen for His Voice: In the Watchtower and the Waiting

by Nohemie Brevil

“I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how He will answer my complaint.” — Habakkuk 2:1 (NLT)

In our women’s Bible study through Habakkuk at our home church, I’ve learned that waiting on God isn’t sitting around doing nothing. It’s active—it has purpose. Waiting doesn’t mean God is ignoring me or unaware of what I’m facing. He asks me to wait so He can prepare me, show me His timing, and build my faith. Waiting time is not wasted time. It’s a chance to slow down, be still, and let God shape my heart to match His will. While I wait, I’m also called to obey—just as Habakkuk wrote down God’s vision and trusted Him before he ever saw it come to pass (Habakkuk 2:2).

Like Habakkuk, I’m learning to watch, wait, and listen for God’s voice.

When I read Habakkuk 2:1, I stop and ask myself:

• Where is my watchtower?

• How often do I go there on purpose?

• What do I expect when I do?

My watchtower may not be a tall building, but it’s still a special place—a quiet spot where I can step away from noise and focus on God. For me, it might be a prayer closet, a peaceful walk, or even a few quiet minutes alone during a busy day.

When I take time to climb my watchtower, I always leave with more peace and a clearer view of what God is doing. I’ve learned that God is never in a hurry. He works at just the right pace, and His timing has always been perfect in my life.

From my watchtower, I see God for who He is—powerful, all-knowing, and always near. His Word becomes my guide and comfort. Sometimes His answer is “Wait a little longer,” but that’s okay—because He’s faithful.

“If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” — Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV)

His Word helps me let go of my own plans and trust His timing. As I wait, His promises give me hope, His peace fills my heart, and His light shows me the way.

Climbing the watchtower isn’t always easy, and waiting can feel long—but it’s always worth it. Each time I go there, my faith grows stronger as I remember, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
And as Habakkuk said, “The just shall live by His faith.” — Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV)
Living by faith means pleasing God and learning to continually rely on Him, not on myself.
After all, the watchtower always draws me closer to the One who is forever faithful.

Prayer:


Dear Lord,
Teach me to climb up to my watchtower—to that quiet place where I can rise above my worries and see life from Your perspective.
When I’m tempted to focus on my problems or grow weary in the waiting, remind me of Your power and presence.
Help me to listen for Your voice, obey Your Word, and wait patiently when You say, “not yet.”

Thank You for always hearing my prayers and answering in Your perfect way and time.
You never leave me waiting alone—you meet me right where I am.
I love You, Lord.

Please strengthen my faith so I may trust Your plan and rest in Your unfailing love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Key Thought:


A watchtower is any place where we meet with God and see our situation from His point of view.

Action Step:


Do you want to hear from God?


Do you have a watchtower?

• If yes: Keep going there and meet with Him often.

• If no: Take a few quiet minutes today to step away from distractions. Pray, read Scripture, or journal what God shows you about your life or His promises.