61 The bands of the wicked have
robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. 62 At
midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous
judgments. 63 I am a
companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
–Psalm 119:61-63 (KJV)
The Word of God often speaks in figurative language
about daylight and dark. Nighttime is a time when evil deeds are
committed and we know this is often the case. The psalmist knew
what we know today, and it is that the dark of night is as an attempt
to conceal wickedness. Consider how we as followers of Christ
are to let the light of Jesus shine in the darkness, yet we also walk
in the openness of the light. We make no effort to hide our deeds
in darkness, for the reverse is our desire – that we let our
light shine before men that they may see our good works and glory our
Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
As Jesus’ disciples, we
live openly as witnesses among the world. The lost among us, those
without Christ, need to see the light in us and from this light we bear
witness to Christ who indwells us.
The psalmist stated that if he did anything in the
night other than sleep, it would be to rise and give thanks to God.
We have a picture of one so devoted to God that sleeplessness results
in prayer and meditation. Let us not forget that God is ever looking
upon us. God knows our thoughts as well as our deeds. Therefore,
let us strive to live lives of holiness as we daily walk in the light
of Jesus Christ.
