Rampart - by Bec Bonython

Setting ourselves on the rampart

In the midst of Habakkuk’s turmoil and fears, he chooses to make a decision on truth despite the emotions and feelings which were running through his head.

So Habakkuk waits patiently for God’s response. Chpt 2:1 he says: I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me.

A rampart is a defensive or protective barrier, especially a protective wall around a city, made of stone with a broad top that serves as a walkway.  For the prophets, their role was to guard, watch and protect. Their duty was two-fold

1) to see what messengers were coming and

2) to see the enemy approaching.

They would be the first to see danger coming and the first target in dangers path. This was a position of high responsibility and vulnerability. 

So after Habakkuk’s first lament to God, he sets himself on the rampart to wait. His responsibility in the midst of the coming turmoil was extremely important.  He was resolute and determined to hear from God AND to protect his people from the Babylonians. There was the temptation to become impatient in waiting for God to speak, but He was sure that God would answer him if he remained faithful. 

He stands in a posture of meditation before God, observing and waiting.

When we are downcast or fearful, we need to be prepared to stand at the rampart of our hearts and be the watch keeper, by meditating on God’s Word. Our actions must be based on truth, not based on where our emotions might take us.

• We either need to wait patiently for God to come with our answer.

• OR we need to be armed and ready to see the enemy coming. 

If we are not watching, the enemy will come straight into our heart and mind. John 10 says the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy.

• He wants us to doubt.

• He wants us to lose hope.

• He wants us to have those bad thoughts.

• He wants us to give in and just walk away from our faith. 

• He will attack our mind and our hearts.

So when we are faced with those hard circumstances, we need to go straight to the rampart and station ourselves. We must be faithful and patient in our waiting. We need to be on guard, standing firm and steadfast, by meditating on God, worshiping God, praying to God – and believing it. So when the enemy comes we are prepared, OR when the message comes from God we are ready to hear, believe and obey.

Whatever the situation that is happening in your life, I pray you set your heart on the rampart today and wait patiently for God.

Blessings, Bec