In the quiet stillness within the darkness of night, we have a chance to be closer to God than at any other time. There are no distractions to keep us from reaching out to him: no phones, no television, no appointments, and no activities. Just us and our Lord. He is there in the solitude, surrounding us with his love and care.
I imagine his presence to be much like that of someone who sits by our bedside throughout the night, making sure we are safe and secure. We always feel more comfortable when we know there is someone keeping watch over us.
Though it was not the same as God's presence, I used to spend nights with my father in the hospital before he died. I would arrive around 1 or 2 a.m. and stay until the morning light came again. My father slept soundly realizing he was not alone despite the emptiness of the night.
God is with us no matter how long the night seems. The minutes go by slowly and the hours drag on. But God is there. We may not be able to see him physically. We can, however, feel him as we speak in silent prayer. He draws close to us through the Spirit, filling us with a peace and comfort that says we are not alone.
