Wait. Listen. Then Proceed.

Divine Inspirations | by Dee Davis

Scripture focus:

“I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard-post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.” ~ Habakkuk 2:1 (NLT)

Devotional Thought

Les Brown once said, “It is hard to see the picture when you are in the frame.”

How true that is, especially when emotions run high or when our hearts are tender from disappointment or misunderstanding. Sometimes we are too close to a situation to see it clearly. That’s when God calls us to pause, step back, and seek His perspective.

When Habakkuk climbed to his “watchtower,” he intentionally removed himself from the noise of confusion and complaint. He created space to listen. Often, that’s what God asks of us, not to rush toward resolution, but to rest in revelation. Clarity rarely comes while we’re still talking, arguing, or striving. It comes when we quiet ourselves long enough to hear the whisper of His wisdom.

Personal Reflection

Relationships are hard work. Even the seemingly best ones are not without conflict, difficult seasons, situations, or outright nightmares. There was a time I had to learn and practice how to stop, quiet my mind, and seek the Lord regarding my marriage during a difficult season. I began to question if God truly saw what I was facing or if He was even listening.

But in my questioning, I found His invitation to step back. To breathe. To wait.

And in doing so, God provided the much-needed opportunity to gain perspective. He reminded me that sometimes His silence isn’t absence; it’s strategy. Waiting gave me time to listen, and listening led me to peace I could not find in my own strength.

Supporting Scriptures

• Psalm 37:7 (NIV) – “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”

• Proverbs 19:20-21 (NLT) – “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”

• James 1:19 (NIV) – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

• Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) – “Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.”

Reflection & Action Steps

1. Pause before reacting.

When emotions rise, allow yourself a moment to pause. Step back from the frame so God can show you the full picture.

2. Listen more than you speak.

Create a quiet space through prayer, journaling, or worship where God’s voice can rise above your thoughts.

3. Seek divine perspective.

Ask God to help you see the situation through His eyes, not your emotions.

4. Wait with expectancy, not anxiety.

Trust that God is working even in the silence. The waiting season is never wasted when your heart stays attentive to His leading.

Closing Prayer

Father God, teach me the beauty of stillness. When I am overwhelmed, help me to step back and climb to my “watchtower” the place where I can hear Your voice above the noise. Give me wisdom to wait, patience to listen, and courage to proceed only when You say, “Go.”

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Stay encouraged and be blessed.