Night Shift

My husband occasionally works the night shift at the ER. He stays awake while most of us are sleeping. He helps those who need healing during the darkest hours.

“You who serve at night in the house of the Lord—Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord.” (Psalm 134:1-2 NLT)

Does God need night-shift workers to work alongside Him? Does He want a few of us to stay alert and pray during times of darkness? Does He ask us to be on-call for those who need spiritual encouragement, comfort, and healing? How can we train ourselves to be alert and oriented during the darkest hours? Where can we find strength to lift up our hands in prayer and praise to the Lord when we, too, feel tired?

“But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. (Luke 21:34-36 MSG)

It is so very easy to get distracted by worldly concerns, diversions, and our own internal struggles. We are not of much use to God when we are distracted, agitated, or unconscious.

“When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, “Can’t you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.”(Matt. 26:40-41 MSG) 

We must rest and fill up with the Spirit during times of light, so we may function during times of darkness. During the darkest hours, we must stay alert and focused—lifting our hands in prayer for those who need healing and comfort—reminding them and ourselves of God’s power and dependability.