11th August 2024

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.