"But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them," (Luke 24:29)
I am in the hospital, the place I least like to be and the place where I get the least amount of rest imaginable. I have made it through another day, but I am not looking forward to the evening. The nights always seem much longer. The evening, with its lack of activity brings my fears to the fore, and I am more conscious of my pain, discomfort and my medical circumstances.
In reading the above passage from Luke I could clearly understand the disciples need for companionship, especially toward evening time. Who better to have as a companion during times of fear and doubt than our Savior? I, like the disciples, ask the Lord to help me get through the night. I ask Him to give me the self-control to take things a day, or indeed a night at a time, and to give me the rest I so desperately need.
There are many readers across the world who are often touched by a devotional and who take the time to write and share their thoughts. Not long ago, a devotional reader from Australia sent me a note with some prayer cards she had made. I have them throughout my Bible and the card I came across this evening says, "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You." (Psalm 56:3 NIV) That pares things down to the very basics, doesn't it? When we have fear, we just need to trust in God. Whether it is evening, afternoon or morning, let's all take our fear and put it before God in prayer - we put our trust in Him to show us the way through and on the other side of fear.
Prayer: Dear Lord, watch over all who are spending a restless night in a hospital or away from home. Comfort the sick, troubled and dying. May we be mindful of Your caring presence with us every moment of the day and night. Amen.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame Football fan. She lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating Polyneuropathy and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the most difficult of days.
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