THE NIGHT WATCHES -- Monday:
"My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word." (Psalm 119:148)
The "night watches" referred to time intervals during the night when the watchman would assure the people of their present safety. In Jesus' time, there were at least four such watches, probably one every three hours (Matt 14:25). Under ordinary circumstances, the night watches were used assure people of safety, or warn them of danger. But that is not how the Psalmist used them.
While others were listening for a word from the watchman, David was focused on the Word coming from God. He used hours during which men are usually obtuse and slow of thought to meditate–think extensively–upon God's Word. It was a time when the drone of the world had lulled, and the circumstances of life were not so distracting. When he was awake at night, he used the time wisely, seeking to be more sensitive to, and understanding of, his Lord.
This is a level of discipleship to which relatively few rise. They do not see the "night watches" as a profitable time for the soul. Some even give that time to their flesh, feeding it upon the entertaining things of this world.
In another place, David spoke of his activity during the night watches, when he was on his bed. "When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches" (Psa 63:6). There is a value in such meditations that is difficult, if not impossible, to realize at any other time. Some people think of God ONLY in a crisis. Such individuals never probe into some of the rich blessings of the Lord that are not related to crisis and danger. Other people choose to ponder the Lord only in a religious surrounding–a church service, prayer meeting, etc. Those so addicted find their thoughts often shaped by others. While nothing is particularly wrong with this, spiritual life also demands a personal touch, where the human spirit enjoys a closeness to the Lord that cannot be duplicated in a public arena.
The weeping prophet, Jeremiah, spoke of pleading with God in the night watches, crying out for the children who were fainting for hunger. "Arise, cry out in the night, At the beginning of the watches; Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him For the life of your young children, Who faint from hunger at the head of every street" (Lam 2:19). In that particular case, the people were being punished by God for their disobedience. The punishment also fell upon their children. The situation required intercession–sensitive and fervent intercession. Such could only be accomplished when separate from the distractions of public life.
It is good for the people of God to be good manager's of the night time. When awakened during the dark hours, prayer and meditation are certainly in order, and will doubtless be rewarded. Unusual efforts will be met with unusual direction and insight. Have you not found this to be the case?
While no law or procedure can be bound upon the saints in this regard, it is good to seek grace to fellowship with the Lord during the night watches. Perhaps such attentiveness will produce more blessing and direction in the daytime. Now, there is something to think about.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to share Your heart with me in the night seasons. Show me wonderous things in Your law, and grant me to see more fully how great is the salvation You have given me to taste.