READING: Esther 6-10
“That night sleep escaped the king.”
Esther 6:1
Today’s reading begins with a verse that seems rather insignificant at first glance (Esther 6:1), but the rest of the reading shows why it isn’t. It’s a simple verse, translated in various ways:
- “That night sleep escaped the king, so he ordered the book recording daily events to be brought and read to the king.” (CSV)
- “During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.” (NASB)
- “On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.” (ESV)
It’s the first part of that verse that captures my attention: “On that night the king could not sleep.” The text doesn’t tell us why he couldn’t sleep, but the rest of the story makes it hard to ignore God’s hand in the whole event. Somehow, He kept sleep from the king, leading him to want to read a book that put into motion all the actions of the rest of today’s reading. Unbeknownst to the king, God was providentially working His plan behind the scenes.
God does have a way of working in sleepless nights. I can remember many, and perhaps you can, too . . . heavy burdens for wayward children . . . deep, deep conviction over sin . . . confusing wonderings over God’s plan for your life . . . great concern over a congregation you lead . . . surprising grief over an unreached people group . . . incredible rejoicing over answered prayers . . . and on and on. I’ve even had times when I awakened in the night with a drivenness to open the Bible or to pray about something.
We don’t know why things happen that way, but maybe God grabs our attention in the night because that’s when we’ve slowed down enough to listen. Perhaps . . . .
ACTION STEPS:
- As you rest tonight, think about whether God has to chase you down to speak to you.
- Learn to use sleepless nights to seek Him.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for being a God who speaks to people. Help me to listen well.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Malachi 1-4, Psalm 50
