H. Norman Wright, Author, Therapist; Director – Christian Marriage Enrichment

NIGHT SHIFT

God also works the night shift

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.