Have you noticed that God can keep “unsociable hours” – maybe it’s because “…..He who keeps Israel will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly].” Ps 121:4.

I wonder on those occasions when we awake in the wee small hours is it our Father trying to get our attention when there are no distractions?! 

It’s interesting to note that “….the Lord came and stood and called…..” God actually presences Himself near Samuel, a very personal encounter.

I wonder too how often we’ve missed an encounter with God because we’ve not sensed His presence or dismissed the “awakening” as something I’ve eaten (though that happens too!). Too often we are like young Samuel and need to be called to more than once – it was four times on that occasion!

We may easily miss that God’s promise to Solomon was “inconveniently” timed for an encounter at night:

“Then the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ 

When all the ‘fireworks’ and razzmatazz was over God came in the quietest of moments, and this wasn’t the first time. After Solomon’s anointing as king, when all is quiet God comes. 

“On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?””  ‭‭
2 Chronicles‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In Ps 46:10 we are encouraged to “Be still and know [recognize, understand] that I am God.”  (“Pause” moments are usually God’s idea). We are at our most “still” at night when asleep – so what better time is there for God to come, stand and speak to us? The pressures and busyness of the day are gone (good and bad) and are souls are probably more receptive in the “stillness”.

From these passages in Scripture it is clear that the Lord presented Himself and called for specific purposes – it wasn’t because He was bored or had nothing better to do, He came to impart purpose and promises.

In this season of social, political and economic upheaval with the pressures of the Covid pandemic, we need to know purpose and call on our lives, lest we be tossed about in the “storm”.

“So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea] and carried about by every wind of [shifting] doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of [unscrupulous] men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything [for personal profit]. But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ.”  Eph 4:14-15 AMP

I’m NOT suggesting that Covid is any scheme of man but sometimes comments and opinions that are expressed can be rather economic with the truth and cause confusion, doubt and fear. And, although Paul doesn’t say it here, the enemy has “input” into the hearts and conversations of men and women to sway and mislead if we’re not watchful and aware of his lying schemes. 

What is important “that we are no longer children” in respect to storms in our lives. That our response is mature and measured in the light of the revelation that God has given to each one of us. How so?

“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,......”  

“……...For we have the mind of Christ.”         1 Cor 2:6-7 & 16b

I would suggest that we have the capability to think and act like God, not to be God, but to be like Him, our Heavenly Father. We all accept that we have some character traits inherited from our earthly parents, so shouldn’t be surprised that the same principle applies to our relationship with God! Paul says “..we have the mind of Christ”, the Holy Spirit is resident in us, so the whole of our lives can be directed by Him. We have the edge over those who don’t yet know Jesus, we have a divine advantage, we can be secure in our God no matter the circumstances or situations.

So, stuck to know what to do, think or say – then as James says ask for wisdom. 

“If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 AMP 

So perhaps the next time you’re inexplicably awake in the “wee small hours” – ask Holy Spirit if there’s something He wants to say to you? Do you need that recommissioning or reassurance from God to keep you in His wisdom, love and security, you only have to ask. Sometimes it’s none of those things but Father wants to “speak” something new into your life, a new promise or fresh revelation, awaken a dream. The “disturbance” by Him becomes an opportunity not an inconvenience!!

As we have seen from Samuel’s and Solomon’s lives it’s not always in the public place, in the midst of congregational worship, preaching, corporate prayer nor celebration, but at night the Lord may presences Himself by you and speak!

“........the Lord came and stood and called…..”    1 Sam 3:10

– Geof Cole