When I was in my 30’s, my friend and I golfed in a league with older women (probably our age now). We often delighted in their conversations, which mostly centered around the issues of aging (probably what we do now) which at that time we did not fully comprehend. One of the conversations focused on how many of them woke up around 3 am every morning and how they could not go back to sleep. One even commented “that’s when I get my best worrying in”. We all joined in chuckling with her answer. Now… I ask how many of you wake up around three in the morning and often wonder why? Sometimes there are obvious reasons, but at times it just happens.

Many call 3 a.m. the bewitching hour where the air feels heavier, the worries are deeper and the world is very still. Folklore always suggested it was a time when evil happens, but as Christians it holds a less sinister, more hopeful meaning. It reminds us that God is present, His presence is unchanging and His power is undefeated.

While I don’t necessarily enjoy waking up at that hour, I think it may be a purposeful “God prod”. When I am slow to return to sleep, anxious thoughts might crowd my mind, but maybe God is trying to gain my undivided attention where I can focus totally on His grace and mercy without the distractions of daily life. He may want to tell me something in the way only He can at this quiet time. I think the most obvious answer for me is this God prod is Him showing me this is not an hour to fear, but a time to pray.

Throughout the Bible we read about Jesus’ light. In John 12:46, “Jesus said, I have come into the world to be its light. So no one who believes in me will stay in the darkness”. God often speaks to us in the stillness-through a whisper, a prompting or a comforting peace. What folklore labeled as “the bewitching hour” can become an hour of discovery for Christians. When the 3 a.m. darkness surrounds us, His light breaks through the darkness. Peace comes to us through God who loves us unconditionally. Remember the next time you are awake at 3 a.m., you are not alone. God is there holding you in His hands. Thanks be to God!

Patty