Wide awake
by Pastor Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6).
One of my least favourite things is waking up tired. If I don’t get the right sleep, my whole day is affected; I am fuzzy in the brain and far less energetic. When that happens, I don’t experience the joy that comes with the day the Lord has given me, and I am not fully present in my relationships. Good sleep is critical for our wellbeing.
The Bible encourages us to live our life attentive to God’s action and refreshed by his presence. Paul talks about the end times and says that no-one can predict the time of the Lord’s return, but knowing that he will return will change the way we live now. Following Easter, Jesus’ kingdom is with us, and he promises to be with us until the very end of the age. Our lives are shaped by the truth that God himself is invested in what happens to us now as we await the Day of the Lord.
This means we can see events in the light of Jesus’ return. Although there is much change in the world and pain is part of everyone’s life, we have the certainty of a God who is with us, guiding and loving us all the way. We don’t live in a haze but rather in the light of Christ. May his Spirit lead and comfort us.
Dear Lord, thank you for all your promises – for the promise of your return and your presence. Clear our minds and calm our hearts as we live enlivened by your Spirit. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in Adelaide and serves as pastor of Golden Grove Lutheran Church and School. He is blessed to be able to spend lots of time with his grandchildren, Teddy and Olivia. His spare time is taken up with golf, Formula 1 and going out with his beautiful wife.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
