Watches of the Night
Watches of the Night
Psalm 63:6-8 …I think of you on my bed and meditate on you in the watches of the night, for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Watches of the Night
Once, about thirty years ago now, I talked to a man who was losing his sight. His particular brand of loss of sight meant he could see only a few feet in front of him, and no glasses he found at the time could correct it. But when I visited him, he told me that there were things that were okay about his new vision. He said, “When I pray now, God is right here. Right in front of me – so close. It is a comfort to know that I am being watched over as my vision dims.”
The watches of the night: the times when sleep does not come, and we find ourselves praying for help that we may not be able to define. Those times can bring us to pray in a very honest, personal way, for the things that are really close to our hearts. Knowing we are not alone in the darkness of the night can bring us peace and comfort in a way that brings truth to the Biblical promise of peace that passes understanding. We can pray through the nights that come in all of our lives and let ourselves rest in trust that the one who brings joy in the morning is with us every step of the way.
Reflection Questions:
1) When you find yourself unable to sleep, what happens when you remember to pray? Do you feel closer to God in the night?
2) The psalmist is in a difficult time of his life, and yet he still uses the word joy in talking about his experience of God. How do you define joy?
3) The promise of God for peace that passes understanding - I usually think of it as peace that doesn’t make sense, because something difficult is happening – but I feel it anyway. Can you think of a time you’ve experienced peace that passes understanding?
Prayer: Dear God, I am grateful that the peace you provide comes into even the most difficult of times and calls me to trust you with the concerns of my heart. In Jesus Name, Amen
