God Works in the Night - Josh Butler

I’ve had trouble sleeping this past year. Before, I always slept like a baby. Now, I’ve begun waking up at 3 AM, my thoughts often racing. I’ve taken great encouragement, however, entrusting myself to the God who works in the night. 

Psalm 127:2 says, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for while they sleep [God provides for those he loves.” In other words, God is at work while you sleep. It’s not all riding on you and your effort. You can give him your restless thoughts and rest in him. The psalmist is celebrating that just because I go to bed doesn’t mean God does. 

For most of history, nighttime was scary. You were more vulnerable to robbers, predators, and unseen threats lurking in the dark. It’s easy for fears to arise when you feel like you’re defenseless on your own. 

Yet God works through the night. This is a theme in the biblical story. When Israel was about to be destroyed by Pharaoh’s army, “All that night, the Lord drove the sea back.” (Exodus 14:21) When Israel was under siege by the Arameans, four lepers entered the enemy camp “at dusk” and discovered the Lord had driven the enemy away during the night. (2 Kings 7:5) When Hezekiah prayed for deliverance from the Assyrians, the next morning he discovered an angel had slain the entire army of 185,000 soldiers. (2 Kings 19) While Peter awaited his execution, God sent a nighttime angel to break his chains and set him free. (Acts 12)

When you have trouble sleeping, you can entrust yourself to the God who works the night shift. Know that the universe is not riding on your shoulders. Going to sleep can be a way to let God be your protector and provider. “He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed… [He will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:3-4) You can trust him with the concerns weighing on your mind. Your Heavenly Father has your back. He’s holding all things together. You can remember that God’s at work even while you rest. 

 

Josh Butler 
Teaching Pastor