"Night"

The night begins with sundown,

With colors what a wonder,

Giving way to starry skies,

Like a jeweled trove of plunder.

I used to sorta dread it,

The ending of the day,

Something ‘bout the fading light,

Made me want it to stay.

Another day was passing,

And I couldn’t get it back,

And when the shadows lengthened,

I thought of all I lack.

And when the darkness settled in,

I thought, “still early evenin,’” 

But closer to the midnight,

The moon above me gleamin’.

I wondered ‘bout those hours,

From midnight to the dawn,

And how low and depressing,

They lasted for so long.

Sometimes I stayed up thinking,

Or praying if I could,

Anything to pass the night,

And sleeping, know I should.

How glad I was when morning came,

The first faint rays of pink,

Thank God here came another day,

Is what I’d always think.

Nowadays the nights are better,

And never seem that long,

I have more peace than ever,

The demons have all gone.

Now I feel the Savior’s peace,

And no more angst and fear,

In fact I now look forward,

To the evenin’ drawing near.

Don’t fear the night, my brother,

And, sis, let God’s peace flow,

Remember He made day and night,

And both will His grace show.

“Give thanks to Him who made the heavenly lights- His faithful love endures forever. The sun to rule the day, His faithful love endures forever, and the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:7-9, NLT)

Day and night and the rotation of the earth are the realities of our daily schedule. Everything comes down to this basic measurement of time- day and night, night and day, and so it goes. But the Psalmist is careful to recognize the faithful love of the Lord that permeates everything. It endures forever, transcends time, and fills our days (and nights) with His power and presence. The day may be challenging and the night long, but no matter. What matters more is that the Lord is with us, and His faithful love is more powerful than everything that might steal it. Certain times of the day might affect us emotionally, but His faithful love trumps every mood and every influence. Don’t forget it, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed by something negative. Stop and remember His faithful love…

Lord, fill our days and night with Your faithful love, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, billantonstudios.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Bill, and God bless you.