A Reflection on the Day
Concluding Your Day at the Feet of Jesus
I believe it is important to stop and reflect on the day and spend some time with the Lord before going to bed each night. I know most often it is preached that we ought to have our "devotional time" at the beginning of the day, and I would agree we are better off if we do so. Yet I would I also say that it would be better if we ended our day in the same fashion by quieting our hearts before the Lord and allowing Him to speak to us concerning the hours that have just passed.
Too often we try to go to sleep without apologizing to a family member or forgiving a co-worker for an offense because we have not taken everything to the feet of Jesus. We must start the process of repentance and forgiveness by going to Him first, and letting Him convict us about these things. There are also the sins from the day that no one else saw but the Lord, and we need to let Him show us those things sooner rather than later in order that they may be removed from our hearts. Truth be told, we cannot start a new day "fresh and clean" if we are still dragging the dirty laundry of the day before with us through the night. I know sometimes you have to wait to speak to someone concerning an offense given or taken until the next day, but at least your heart will be right before the Lord on the matter.
We also often lay in bed restless with anxiety, turning fears and worries over and over in our heads, when we should have stopped and given them up to the One Who holds all things in His hands before we ever put our head on the pillow. "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8, NIV)
Besides allowing the Lord to search your heart on matters of sin and giving anxiety up to Him, the most important aspect of being still before Him each evening is simply focusing in on Him and the goodness He showed you throughout the day. Set your heart on Him as you end your day and worship Him for Who He is. Listen to His Voice and hear the love He has for you as His child. Use this time to let Him fill you afresh after what may have been a long and weary day. He wants to just sit with us and let us enjoy that communion with Him. If He leads you into prayer during this time, then do so. If He just wants to love on you, then receive it. No amount of sleep can renew you, mind, body, heart, and soul, like time in the presence of the King can.
"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." (Psalm 63.6-8, NIV)
