Evening
When He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.
Now when evening came, He was alone there.
Matthew 14:23
For some people, the evening is one of their favourite times of day. Evenings can be a time to look back, take stock, and reflect on the events of the day, whether good or bad. The evening can be a time for careful thought and evaluation, for thanksgiving, and for prayer.
Our Lord Jesus had a similar practice during His earthly ministry. At the end of a wearying and demanding day, He went up on a mountain by Himself for a few moments of reflection and prayer in the presence of His Father (Matt. 14:23).
The value of the quiet presence of our heavenly Father and the careful examination of how we have engaged life on a given day has great significance. Perhaps this was the goal of the apostle Paul’s challenge for us to redeem the time (Eph. 5:16); that is, to make sure we are making the best use of the time God gives us for living and serving.
As the day winds to a close, take some time for quiet reflection. In the serenity of the evening, we can, in God’s presence, get a more accurate perspective on life and how we are living it.
Bible Reading
Ephesians 5:6-17.
Prayer
Lord, I come aside from the world of strife, with its burdens, trials, and the cares of life and I thank You for this time with You. In Christ's name. Amen.
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