Waiting Until the Fourth Watch

During New Testament times the day was divided into 12 hours beginning at six o’clock in the morning. The sixth hour would be noon, the eleventh hour would be five o’clock in the evening, although we think of the “eleventh hour” as before midnight.

Beginning with six o’clock in the evening, the night was divided into four “watches” each three hours long. The second watch was nine until midnight, the third watch midnight to three and the fourth watch from three in the morning until six, about sunrise.

When the storm came upon the disciples who were in a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, it was late. Mark relates that Jesus “saw them toiling in rowing” (Mark 6:48). They did not know He was aware of their danger. They didn’t realize He was watching from a hill. They only knew they were in serious trouble. The scripture then states, “about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them.”

I’m sure with as frightened as they must have been, they had prayed and wanted their prayers answered in the first watch. Aren’t we the kind of people that want our prayers answered sooner rather than later? I know I am. I procrastinate many things but I certainly don’t want the Heavenly Father to do the same when it comes to answering my prayers! And, truthfully, it isn’t a matter of procrastination for Him, it is a matter of teaching and strengthening.

When He doesn’t come in the second watch we begin to fear and doubt. I’ve heard it said that when you doubt your beliefs, doubt your doubt.

If He doesn’t come in the third watch, we may make some assumptions that are dangerous to our faith. He doesn’t listen or care. I’m not worthy. Or worse, He doesn’t exist. We need to remember that He is aware. He is listening. He is watching. He will answer our prayers.

Interestingly, it seems He always comes in the first watch for at least one thing. When we ask for forgiveness. When we repent and call upon Him, He is ready to apply His atoning sacrifice for us ~ for you and for me.

Even so, when He watches and waits in that fourth watch for us to be ready to receive His answers and His blessings, His answers are not always what we expected. Or perhaps, there is no room in our heart for His answer. His answers are always for our best because He knows us best. We may have to toil and struggle a bit longer until our heart softens. We may have more to learn and experience, even more sorrow, before He will answer. But He will answer.

There is a promise in the Book of Revelations 21:4 - “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

There will be a time when our trials are finished “And God shall wipe away all tears from (our) eyes.” The visual of that intimate touch is beautiful to me. He doesn’t say He’ll hand us a tissue but He will wipe away our tears. Until that time, I will pray and wait and live for His guidance and blessings, even if I must wait until the fourth watch.