My friend Tom Cote from Watchman River You Tube Channel mentioned the ‘high watch blues’ a few times in some of his recent vlogs. Not every watcher has the spiritual or emotional capacity to endure a high watch season and come out the other side, still ‘on this side’ as it were. If you can enjoy the hope associated with the anticipation of a high-watch season, so be it. Brother Tom can and he does, as do I; however, if the letdown that befalls all high watch seasons becomes more of a deterrent than a hope, it might be best if you focused on a different aspect of your spiritual life formation. BTW, congrats to Tom for clearing 100K subs on his channel!
We all need to guard our hearts and minds when it comes to anticipating the high-watch seasons as they come and go. This level of watching is not for everyone, but there are those who can endure it, while others are more negatively affected by the disappointment or let down from a prolonged continuance. We watchers don’t have a death with; rather, we have a life wish, an eternal life desire. We know what is waiting for us on the other side and we long to be there with the Lord and all of those who love Him and His appearing.
Paul said it this way, “For we know that if our earthly house (our physical body), this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation (dwelling) which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee (down payment). 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1-7
- True Christians are not afraid to die; in fact, many of them actually long for it, but only in God’s time, will, and way. We’re not suicidal; rather, we’re homesick for heaven, which is our eternal home where the Lord has prepared a place just for us, and all of those who love Him.
When we see all that is happening around us in this world, we groan within our spirit, desiring to be with Jesus. The Lord reminds us that while we are here, we have a job to do; that is, to share God’s love with others as best we can, as the Holy Spirit prompts us. While it’s true that not every watcher can operate at this level of intensity, it’s equally true that we are all called to watch and wait while we work and witness for the Lord.
If you’re struggling with some disappointment regarding another missed high-watch season, just know that you are not alone. The Lord’s return is always in front of us and one day soon we will actually encounter it. Until them, we need to be diligent in our Bible reading, prayer, good Christian fellowship, stewardship, witnessing, and worship of the Lord. This is who we are called to be; Christ’ ambassadors on this earth to be a light in a dark place, and salt in a tasteless world. When we’re gone, the world is going to notice; but until that happens, we need to be good stewards of all that God has entrusted to our care.
I will admit, I too get a little blue when a high-watch passes; however, it never deters me from doing what I am called to do and be. If you’re reading this and struggling with the post high-watch blues, I challenge you to press into the Lord in your devotional life and edit any and all media inlets that may detour or distract you from being all that you can be in Christ. All too often believers are blindsided by too many things that just don’t matter.
I want to encourage you in your faith walk with Jesus and challenge you to keep your eyes on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This is not just a mandate, but a way of life for the believer who is vexed by the evil in this world. We need to operate in the full power of the Holy Spirit, and trust the Lord for the increase; especially as we see all of the darkness enfolding around us. I am looking and planning long, but I am also a realist who is watching and waiting on the Lord as I work and serve Him. Don’t stop believing!
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northwest Missouri. He lives with his wife of 35-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a former Lead Pastor (25 years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 