Psalm 119:148 - Anticipating Night

It may look like daylight around me at the moment. Cicadas and crickets are chirping. But as I write this, it's actually 8:16 PM here in Iowa and--officially--the sun sets at 8:19 PM. Nightfall comes at 8:49.

People anticipate good things at the end of the day. They plan what they'll have for supper. They look forward to putting their feet up. If it's been a long, hot sweaty day, one can't wait to take a shower. These are good things.

Other people make plans for evil at night. Crimes happen all day long, but the especially serious crimes, violent crimes, happen at night.

Other night time activities aren't illegal, but they aren't virtuous, either. I haven't studied the statistics on hourly consumption of alcohol, but Paul observed:
"...those who get drunk [often] get drunk at night." (1 Thessalonians 5:7, New American Standard Bible, 1995)

Beyond any of this the Psalmist said,
"My eyes anticipate the night watches [or hours of the night], that I may meditate on Your word." (Psalm 119:148, NASB95)

Throughout the day, the Psalmist was thinking, "I'm looking forward to nightfall; I'm looking forward to that time of solitude and quiet when there's nothing to disturb me and I can think on God's word."

It may not be a whole chapter or even a verse, but even a phrase or something... a principle of scripture that he could fill his heart and mind to edify himself and maybe use to encourage others the following day.

Father, we ask that you would give us hearts that are excited about anticipating the time when we are alone at night when we can think about You and think about Your word. For our good, and the good of those around us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.