God of the Night

20 July 2025

Written by Senior Pastor John Macindoe

I used to do shift work. Night shift was particularly challenging. It wasn’t easy to stay alert all night then sleep during the day. But night shift also has its advantages. Day shift was busy and full of interruptions. Night shift, by contrast, was peaceful and relaxed. As dawn approached, with my mind feeling mellow and weary, I often felt as though I was the only person in the world still awake.

People have been working nights for centuries. Even priests who served in the Jerusalem temple had to do the occasional night shift. Maybe Psalm 134, a Song of Ascents, was written just for them:

‘Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord

     who minister by night in the house of the Lord. 

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary

    and praise the Lord. 

May the Lord bless you from Zion,

   he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.’   

When you are weary and lonely, when the night is dark and the morning still a long way off, remember this; God is awake and on the job. You’re not forgotten. Indeed, God never takes his eyes off you. So, when you begin to feel anxious and alone, the best antidote is to seek his face and declare his praises.

Whether you are in the sunshine or in the darkness, whether you are serving on the day shift or the night shift, whatever the circumstance you are always a servant of the Lord.  Be assured that he never slumbers or sleeps. He hears your prayers and praise at all times. He is good and his steadfast love endures forever.