Our Daily Bread 15-Day EditionSampl

Evening

The evening is one of my favorite times of day. It’s a time to look back, take stock, and reflect on the events of the day—whether good or bad. When weather permits, my wife and I walk, or sometimes we’ll just fix a pot of coffee and talk with each other about our day and what we’ve accomplished. It’s a time for careful thought and evaluation, for thanksgiving, and for prayer.

Our Lord had a similar practice during His earthly ministry. At the end of a wearying and demanding day, He went up on a mountain by Himself for a few moments of reflection and prayer in the presence of His Father (Matt. 14:23).

The value of the quiet presence of our heavenly Father and the careful examination of how we have engaged life on a given day has great significance. Perhaps this was the goal of the apostle Paul’s challenge for us to redeem the time (Eph. 5:16); that is, to make sure we are making the best use of the time God gives us for living and serving.

As the day winds to a close, take some time for quiet reflection. In the serenity of the evening, we can, in God’s presence, get a more accurate perspective on life and how we are living it. — Bill Crowder

I come aside from the world of strife,
With its burdens, trials, and the cares of life
To a beautiful, quiet, restful place
Where I commune with my Jesus face to face. — Brandt

There will be more reflection of Jesus when there is more reflection on Him.