Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
This passage of scripture points us to God as our never failing refuge, the One who sustains us in tough and turbulent times, the One whom we turn to when facing the unknown. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, especially in these days when the world is in such an unsettled state of affairs. From the turmoil in Ukraine, to the bloodshed in Syria, to the random acts of violence we witness right here in America from tome to time, we just never know what next will take place.
The word of God however teaches us to place our lives entirely in the hands of The Eternal God, through prayer and a daily study of His Word, a practice which should form the cornerstone of our relationship with the Lord. The habit of rushing headlong into the unknown, without assurance of God's guidance and protection exposes the unwary to the sudden assaults of the devil, which then renders us incapable of handling unforeseen situations in a calm, godly manner. That's why we are encouraged to devote the best of our time to prayer and meditation on The Lord and the scriptures, which are full of instruction and promises for any and every situation.
The habit of praying when sleepy is the equivalent of giving God a lame offering. If two best friends were to make an appointment to discuss issues of great import, one would be surprised if the other started to snore in the midst of their conversation. On a much grander scale is the time set apart for meditation and prayer. We should always give God "prime time", and not wait until we are weary and tired to pray. That's why the following verses were penned for our instruction. Let's read:
Psalms 108:2 Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 3 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. 4 For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth; 6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.
Psalms 119:147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. 148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. 149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.
This is the experience that was lacking in the life of Peter, when Jesus cautioned him to pray. A sudden situation was about to unfold, which Peter and the other disciples were not prepared for, and as a result they did what they would not have done, had they prayed. Let's read, for this experience is often duplicated in our lives.
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
Matthew 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
And so it was, that through a lack of prayer and meditation, Peter was unprepared for the sudden onslaught of Satan, and thus fell a prey to his devices. Let's read:
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? 12Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him.
But the devil was not done with Peter as yet, for he had one more snare set for his feet, to which Peter would also fall a victim. Let's read:
Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. 70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee.74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Here we find that Peter was overcome by sudden temptations, which he could have been prepared to deal with, had he prayed. And we must never think of ourselves as invulnerable to the devices of Satan, if like Peter, we "fall asleep" whilst praying. A few days ago Michael Dunn pumped nine bullets into a vehicle with teenagers playing loud rap music. Like Peter, he was overcome by a sudden, unforeseen situation which resulted in the death of one of the youths. If Michael Dunn was a praying person, meditating on God and His word, the situation would most likely not have spun out of control, for God is able to keep those who trust in him through every volatile situation which may arise suddenly. Let's read:
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Proverbs 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. 25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
As we face an untried week with potential snares and pitfalls set for our feet, we sincerely hope and pray that everyone would see the need of seeking God "early" for wisdom, guidance, discretion and protection, that we do not fall a prey to the devices of the devil. We therefore end with a text and a promise intended to inspire confidence and trust in the living God. Let's read:
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. "Good night" and God bless!