In
the Genesis account of creation, God uses the phrase, “The evening and morning
were the first day.” He repeats this expression with each consecutive day. I
find it interesting that He starts His day at sundown.
I
do this too. It is quiet during the evening hours, no ringing phones, no
insistent people needing help, little traffic whirling past the house at that
time, no chores demanding my attention, and plenty of time to focus on God.
The
nation of Israel had three Night Watches:
The
First or “beginning” watch from sunset to ten o'clock,
the
Second or "middle” watch from ten until two, and
the
Third or "morning” watch from two to sunrise.
Under
control of the Roman Empire, Israel actually had four watches:
The
"even” watch from sunset until nine,
the
“midnight” watch from nine until midnight,
the
“cockcrowing” watch from midnight until three, and
the
“morning" watch from three until six.
Pick your night watch, and spend time alone with our Father God. I
used to love the night watches (Genesis 1:1-29). I pondered on my bed, and reflected
on God and His Word in the night watches. My favorite time was the middle
watch.
I
kept God company from ten at night until two in the morning. I created, contemplated,
resonated, speculated, formulated, meditated, investigated and communicated
with God's Spirit, while other people slept.
I
emailed scriptures to hurting people or wrote encouraging notes. I made crafty
items for our personal use or for gifts. I talked to other night owls online. I
played with our pets and watched a family-style movie, or just enjoy the quiet
time.
I
wrote my devotion and then posted it on my online blog every night at this time.
I prayed for family and friends as God brought them to my mind. I spent time
worshipping and praising our living Lord and enjoying His companionship.
Then
we opened a Café ministry in our community, and my life has never been the
same. Rejuvenating sleep is a thing of the past for me. I am currently waiting
on our Daddy God to work out my sleep schedule for me.
Prayer:
Father
God, You are always waiting to fellowship with us at any time of the day or
night, and we can enjoy our times together with You - even during moments of
companionable silence that we share with You. Jesus often prayed all night (Luke
6:12), and I love that time too.
Our
soul waits for You more than the watchmen who wait for morning (Psalm 130:6).
Our eyes are wide-awake, our senses are alert, and our mind is totally engaged
throughout our time of fellowship with You. We are in very good company with at
least half of the world regardless of the hours that we share with you.
Thought
for the Day:
The
Lord puts His desires in our heart, leads us according to His will, inspires us
to help those in His body who are hurting, and pours out His Spirit on us during
any time that we choose to spend with Him.
