I trust that you all had a great breakfast and time of Bible study. Though it was probably difficult to talk about fasting while eating breakfast! I heard that everything (especially the cinnamon rolls) was delicious. Thank you to everyone who helped by setting up, bringing items, and cleaning up.

Thank you, as well, to everyone who who contributed to the needs of those in the mountains. If you have seen the news you know that people in the I-40 West area have been devastated by Hurricane Helene. Lives have been lost. Families are without power and clean water. Roads have been entirely washed away. And this is just the beginning. As the water recedes, the damage will truly be evident. The first responders have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone they can. You have blessed them by your contributions of water, food, and other supplies. Please continue to pray for every person who was affected by this storm. If there are other ways to provide support, we will certainly let you know. Your generosity gains the attention of the Lord.

Nighttime: For most it’s a time of rest when the body and mind slow down. As darkness intensifies, noises diminish and quiet takes over—at least for most people. Then there are those who work the night shift. When others sleep, they are hard at work. It could be a nurse, a baker preparing tomorrow’s breads, or a road crew repairing damage while traffic isn’t so intense. It’s also the world’s first responders: those police officers cruising the streets of a darkened city and the firemen and medics responding to a call.

Sleep can also be elusive for those who aren’t on call or working. For some, grief, pain, loss, and hurts, whether physical or emotional, are constant companions. They try to sleep, but sleep won’t come. If they fall asleep hoping for a reprieve from the pain, the pain follows them and troubles their dreams.

For first responders, perhaps the night shift is a combination of both. On-duty work keeps one active and awake. Off-duty, tragedies encountered or personal concerns have you on a night shift you didn’t apply for.

There’s someone else who works the night shift. His name is God. Have you ever thought about God working the late shift? While you’re working nights, sleeping, or wrestling with lack of sleep, God is busy. He’s ever-present and caring about you at all times. The psalmist’s words can bring you comfort: “He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3).

The psalms contain other guidelines and promises that speak about sleep and rest. They share that God sustains you when you sleep and he makes you “dwell in safety” (Psalms 3:5; 4:8).

Regardless of the cause of your night shift, God’s at work. He’s thinking about you. If you wonder where God is, he is here, always. He is aware of your circumstances and pain and monitors every second of your life. God is aware of your emptiness and seeks to fill it in a manner beyond your dreams. God is aware of your wounds and scars and knows how to bring about a healing deeper than you can imagine. God is aware of destruction and tragedy you may experience and is available to bring you healing and peace. Yes, God works the night shift.

Prayer:

When the night shift keeps me wide awake, thank you, Lord, for always being there with me. Thank you that you are ever-present and that you care about my every circumstance, wound, scar, pain, and need.