25-26Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose. 27-28Startled from sleep, the jailer saw all the doors swinging loose on their hinges. Assuming that all the prisoners had escaped, he pulled out his sword and was about to do himself in, figuring he was as good as dead anyway, when Paul stopped him: "Don't do that! We're all still here! Nobody's run away!" 29-31The jailer got a torch and ran inside. Badly shaken, he collapsed in front of Paul and Silas. He led them out of the jail and asked, "Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved, to really live?" They said, "Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live—and everyone in your house included!" (Acts 16:25-30, The Message)
I was just sitting in my living room wondering why I was still up. Here it is after midnight, and while the rest of the world is probably asleep, I am sitting here acting like it is the middle of the day. "I don't feel no ways sleepy..." lol
I know that my body clock is off. I could actually stay up all night until around 5 am if I wanted to. Most nights I have to make myself fall asleep. I have to lie in the dark and quiet of the night (or early morning hours) and allow myself to drift off. Usually while I am doing that, I am talking to Him! The one who made me. The one who continues to give me life and breath. I have been a night owl for a long time now, and am not sure if that will ever change. There are even times when I am with all of my sisters and everyone (and I mean everyone) has fallen asleep. I just lay there in the darkness and stillness of the night and wonder why I am the only one still awake. But, in my mind, I know why.
I work in a very hectic environment. From the time I get to work until the time I leave it is nonstop people, chaos, issues, situations, busy, busy, busy. I sometimes feel as though I am putting out one fire after another, or simply trying to encourage someone. Don't get me wrong...I love what I do for a living, and I am thankful for my job. Then, when I am not working, there are the other things that I am involved in; things that I love and know God has allowed me to do. He has allowed me to be a source of encouragement for others. I am thankful for that.
So, when I leave work, and get home, it is a time of relaxation for me. It is that time that I can truly allow my mind to be free. It takes me a while to wind down; to actually realize that my mind does not have to go a hundred miles a minute anymore. But there is something about the midnight hour. I feel God talking to me then. I know that most people say their personal devotion time is early in the mornings. I have tried it and continue to try. But it is during the midnight hour that God speaks to my spirit. It is during these times that I feel closest to Him. It is during these times that I can sing sweet songs of melody to Him, and I know He is there listening. It is during those times, during the midnight hour, that He places others on my heart to pray for.
Just as Paul and Silas prayed during the midnight hour, and things began to happen, I too find that this is the best time for me to pray. The best time for me to meditate. The best time for me to reflect on the past, and prepare for the future.
So, I say this to all the Night Owls. Don't be so hard on yourselves. Take this time to draw closer to the God who loves you. Take this time to pray for others, and also to pray for yourself. Take this time to sometimes just sit quietly and listen. We might be of a different breed, but He loves us just the same. Yes, God hears the Night Owls too!
Love,
Lemon
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