Redeeming the Night Watches

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call

We’ve all been there… 2 AM staring at the ceiling.
Sometimes it is because our spirits are restless or worried.  Sometimes it is because we had that last cup of coffee later than we should have. Or maybe, just maybe, the enemy is at work calling to mind all the ill-advised, foolish or sinful things we have ever done. The enemy does his best work in the dark.  Perhaps it is none of those and we are lying awake for no apparent reason.

There are a few things we can do to redeem the night watches as we lay awake.

1. Meditate upon the Lord. Consider His attributes and character. This will naturally lead to praise and worship.  My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night… Psalm 63:5-6
2. Rehearse Scripture – practice the Scripture you are currently memorizing, or recall favorite verses. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. Psalm 119:147-148
3. Pray – pray for others. There probably also are others lying awake, unable to sleep because of family issues or a recent death of a loved one.  Serve them with your prayers, then go one step further and send them a text or note, or give them a call the next day.

Maybe we will fall back asleep faster, maybe we won’t, but either way we will have redeemed that time, making the most of every moment of wakefulness.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

 

Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. ⁹ And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Hebrews 5:8-9