There are several hazards in having your quiet times and devotions at night. I’m not saying that God will not bless it, but it often amounts to giving Him the “leftovers” of your day.

You are already tired. You have given your best to the world, your job, and the people around you.  But the One who deserves the most receives the least.  Make note of four hazards related to having your devotions at night: energy spent, pillow soft, lights dim, small print!  I have experienced every one of these hazards and have unintentionally fallen off to sleep.

As a young Christian, I attempted to have my Quiet Time at night simply because I didn’t know any better.  Like so many people, I would sleep until the last minute and rush to class in the mornings.  For years, my only Scripture reading and prayer was at night.  My grandmother had given me a large Bible.  One evening as I was reading it, the pillow was so soft and the lights were so dim that I soon fell asleep with the Bible on my chest.  I didn’t move until the next morning. I remember opening my eyes very slowly and seeing the words “Holy Bible” upside down. A sentimental feeling swept over me:  “Wow – I slept all night with the Bible on my chest!”  There’s one thing you can be sure of – that’s not the way to increase your spirituality!

Charlie Riggs, who wrote the Steps to Peace with God evangelistic booklet, said “The Word of God has to get into your mind, and then make an 18-inch trip down into your heart.”  How true that is.  You have to be alert enough to think though what you are reading if it is going to affect the way you live.

When I heard about the value of having a Quiet Time, I accepted a six-week challenge to begin spending ten minutes each morning with God.  It was like eating honey – once you taste it, you want more.  The Psalmist said, “How sweet are They words to my taste!  Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)  As time passed, I came to understand the testimony of Jeremiah: “…Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart…” (Jeremiah 15:16)

You can begin your day with God and end it with Him as well.  If you want to study the Bible at night, that’s great, but don’t let it be your only time with God.  Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the morning, and another meal in the evening – perhaps even a late night snack!

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out through the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4