God Of The Darkness
Psalm 121 (NRSV)
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
-- Psalm 121:4 (KJV)
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ONE morning about three o'clock I heard a car pull into our driveway and then back out. I looked out the window and realized it was the person delivering the newspaper.
I thought about this person and how tired he or she must be, rising so early each morning. Then I began to think of all the people who work through the night - many of them to provide goods and services that we take for granted.
I thought of the medical personnel in hospitals and nursing homes who care for the sick or injured, those in law enforcement who make our homes and streets safer, those who drive trucks through the darkness to bring fresh bread and produce to our supermarkets. We can turn on the television or radio at any time of night and find people telling us what sort of weather we may expect or bringing us music or news.
As these thoughts went through my mind, I began to lift these nighttime workers in prayer, asking God to watch over and bless them. Indeed, the Keeper of Israel does not sleep. We may rest in God's care whether we are awake or asleep.
Prayer: God of all time and space, thank you for those who work long hours for us behind the scenes. Watch over them with your loving care. In the strong name of Jesus. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Pray for those whose work makes your life easier.
PRAYER FOCUS:
Those who work at night
By Mary K. Chambers, Georgia
