CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 756

“Night Deposits”

Psalm 16:7-8   I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

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 In the late hours of the night the international bank building is closed and silent, yet deposits continue to pour in electronically from somewhere else in the world.  Instructions for transactions are being deposited continually even into the night waiting to be acted upon.  Your car’s GPS system constantly receives information providing you with updated directions as well as weather and traffic alerts as you proceed on your journey.

Are you tuned in to hear from God continually, even in the night while you are sleeping?  Or are you so preoccupied with the worrisome static of life’s problems that you cannot clearly receive the counsel of the Holy Spirit during the day or into the night?

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things…- John 14:26 

The Holy Spirit is there when you feel anger and rage well up inside and He speaks peace … did you hear Him?  He is there when temptation is present and He speaks redirection by the Truth of God’s Word … did you hear Him?  The Spirit is there when you toss and turn restlessly at night while your mind races with one worry after another denying you rest and He speaks comfort and quite to your soul … did you hear Him?

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. – Psalm 127:2

The psalmist said that ‘I have set the Lord always before me … I will not be shaken’.   Do you desire that level of steadfastness, peace and confidence in the love and goodness of the Lord? The root meaning of the phrase ‘I have set’ is ‘to agree with, to be or become like’.  To set the Lord always before you is to look to Him to be your standard and example to become like.  It means that you agree with the direction and instruction provided by His Word.

Are you at a crossroads in your life, seeking clear direction which way to go?  Perhaps you are contemplating a career or job change.  You may be considering a major relocation to ‘start over’ in another location.  You are being cautious, not wanting to go from the frying pan into the fire as it were.  You want to be as sure as you can before you commit to a direction.  How are you to know which way is the right one?

First, be clear of your motives for the change.  Are you seeking first the Lord’s kingdom and righteousness in every aspect of your life or are you taking matters into your own hands seeking first increased income, power, position, or prestige? Are you trying to survive these difficult times relying on your wits, instincts, and abilities rather than trusting in God to provide?  Ask yourself if this is a door the Lord has opened for you or one that you are trying to pry open by force?

Stay close to Jesus in order to hear from Him. Study His Word, pray continually and live a lifestyle of worship.  Be sensitive to the ‘check of the Holy Spirit’ and act in obedience.  God is faithful.  He will guide you and speak truth and direction to your heart even while you sleep.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & dedication of your work to the glory of God.