Ephesians 5:16 making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.
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There was a time when staying up past 10 o’clock at night was a right of passage. As children, we would beg and plea until our parents would oblige to our screeching requests of more Cartoon Network and sugary snacks. It wasn’t always granted, but when it was I thought I was given the keys to Disney. That eagerness to stay up late also reflected in my young adult life. As a college student, I remember going to bed late and waking up early as a freshmen ritual. Nowadays, that once sought after practice has now been a bad habit I’ve been desiring to break.

The closer I get to God, the more I realize the structure my parents were laying all along. God has so graciously revealed to me that there is honor in following a healthy evening routine. Think about it. How can we put our best foot forward at the start of a new day if we are too tired and groggy from a careless late night of scrolling and binge watching a new streaming series? Understand that a proper evening routine enables a productive morning. A productive morning reflects honor to God because it translates to Him and others that we are appreciative of another day that God has blessed us. How we show up within our day should mirror how God shows up for us! Obviously, we won’t have perfect mornings but the desire should be in our hearts to give God our all which starts with getting adequate rest.

We honor God in our rest because it allows us to exemplify self-control. Maturing in Christ is realizing that the ability to do something does not mean that it is wise to do so. Sure watching that comfort show after a long day or mindlessly scrolling may sermon like harmless unwinding but the consequences normally spill into the next day until it’s a seemingly never-ending cycle until we have the courage to break it. That courage starts today. My prayer is that if you are a repeated evening owl (like me) that this convicts your heart to repentance. Again, you won’t always get it right but our lifestyle should not reflect poor habits as a way of life. So, let’s make a change for the better today.

Instead of scrolling before bed, try reading a physical Bible as apart of your nighttime routine. What better way to rewire your brain from a hectic day than reciting God’s Word? Allow the power of divine meditation to soften your nervous system as you rest in the presence of God. I know that you might not have started the year strong but you have ample time to turn that around and set better habits to follow through for next year. Just as the focal verse instructs, we must be wise in how we manage our days so that our Heavenly Father will find us as faithful servants and not foolish squanders. The days are evil and we don’t want to be tallied in that number of those who willingly chose to live their lives apart from the wisdom and Holy Word of God.

So here’s to a good night’s rest and giving God our best! Until next time, be blessed!