I don't know about you but I have nights when I can't sleep. For the most part I can go to sleep pretty well at the beginning but there are times I wake up in the middle of the night and cannot get back into that sweet slumber. Sometimes I try to watch television or get on Facebook to see who else is awake. Occasionally, I have found another who is on in the wee hours of the morning. There are times I go back to a book I am enjoying and can't wait to read again. I even remember trying to use the music of the once new Weather Channel! Finally, I have to admit there have been nights when my brain would not shut off with worries that would bind my life. Before Spinning became a popular exercise option at many health clubs it used to be and still is what I call my brain's hyperdrive in which every bad thought, worry and self-worth bashing clouds my brain. This was always combined with the constant watch of the clock only to discover that it was ten minutes later than the last time I had checked. Add the worry of never getting back to sleep and being a wreck at school the next day!
Over time, however, God has changed and reshaped the way I use this time in the still of the night. It wouldn't be the truth to say I don't have a miserable sleepless night from time to time. But for the most part, my Lord who loves me unconditionally, has given me a better way to spend my time when it is the darkest. Over the years as my relationship with him has grown and matured I have found myself reaching for my IPhone to listen to worship and praise music on Pandora. Or I have dug into my Bible to have his loving words fill my soul. Sometimes I will get on a favorite Christian website and a devotion will touch my heart. Other times I have gotten down on my knees and prayed for relief from the pain of cancer, grief or heartbreak as the tears have streamed down my face. There are hours of time in which I have talked to God on behalf of my husband, my children, family and friends.
For you see, I have learned that in the still of the night things slow down. If I begin to focus on the things that my Savior has done for me I take the focus off myself and my relationship with Jesus grows. Here in the quiet, away from the busyness of the day, I can pour my heart out to God who knows me infinitely greater than anyone else I know. For he knit me in the womb and knows my every thought. Here, instead of the roar of the hurricane, I can be in the eye. The calm place where the storm of life here on earth is pushed away. The place where I can imagine I see a glimpse of heaven. It is such a sweet thought this glimpse. It lets me see my Creator and Savior. It gives me back the ones who have gone before me. It is a salve for my earthly hurts that only Jesus can give! Nothing here on earth can give us that which we search for in this sinful world. No amount of money, prestige, or honor can compare. No Internet group or Facebook friend can love you as much. No activity, addiction or job can soothe your hurts. The only answer is Him.
So now in the still of the night I try to focus on the balm of words like these.
"In you, Oh Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit, redeem me , O Lord, the God of truth." Psalm 30:1-5
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant; being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phillipians 2:6-11
My sweet friends, I pray that you too can find his peace in the midst of the darkness. If you are not a person who finds your yourself awake in the hours before the dawn try to carve out your own nighttime during the day. I guarantee it will be more difficult as the storm of daily life rages around you but you will never regret it. God is the same yesterday, today and and tomorrow and he he is there for you anytime day or night.
