“2026: Year of the Explosion” Day 13: Watch while you wait.

“And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.””

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭15‬a ESV‬‬

We’ve all been there: You’re waiting through a red light. You’re in the turn lane and the traffic is such that without the turn signal, you don’t have much hope of being able to get on your way. And did I mention, you’re in a huge hurry? Then it happens; you finally get the turn signal. But you’re still not moving because the person at the head of the line, has found something else to do while waiting for the turn signal. And because of their sluggishness, you are left to sweat bullets through another light cycle. You see, they were waiting, but they were not watching.

The theme of the need for watchfulness, is found all through the Bible. It is particularly ubiquitous in the New Testament.

Jesus warned that we need to be watchful in terms of His coming.

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭37‬-‭39‬, ‭42‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭34‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The apostle Paul echoed the same need for watchfulness in terms of the Lord’s return.

“For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭3‬, ‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus also stressed the importance of being watchful to avoid entering into temptation.

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭41‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Peter warned that we need to be watchful to escape becoming a victim of the enemy of our soul.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Last time, as we continued in our discussion of David’s victory at Baal-perazim, we saw that the Lord gave David the instruction to wait for a particular sign before going forward. Now, the only way to act on a sign when it’s given, is to be watching for it. And we know that David did watch, moving only when the sign appeared.

Child of God, waiting is important when the Lord has you in that posture. But make no mistake, unless we remain watchful, our waiting may be in vain. Let’s not miss what the Lord has for us, because we found something else to occupy our mind while we’re waiting. Rather, let’s be carefully watching for the Lord to signal, “Now!”

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!