A Sleepless Night - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

That night the king could not sleep.
Esther 6:1

A Sleepless Night
The finger of the Almighty was in that sleepless night. The Lord God of the Hebrews had a mighty work to accomplish on behalf of His beloved people, and in order to bring that about, He drove "balmy sleep" from the luxurious couch of the monarch of 127 provinces.

This brings out in a marked way the character of the Book of Esther. The reader will observe that, throughout this interesting section of inspiration, the name of God is never heard. Yet His finger is visibly stamped upon everything. The most trivial circumstances display His wonderful counsel and excellent working. Nature's vision cannot trace the movement of the wheels of Jehovah's chariot, but faith not only traces it, but knows the direction in which it moves.

The enemy plots, but God is above him. Satan's every movement is seen to be but a link in the marvelous chain of events by which the God of Israel was bringing about His purpose of grace respecting His people. Thus it has been, thus it is, and thus it shall ever be. Satan's malice, man's pride, the most hostile influences, are all but so many instruments in the hand of God for the accomplishment of His gracious purposes. This gives the sweetest rest to the heart amid the ceaseless tossings and fluctuations of human affairs.

"The end of the Lord" shall assuredly be seen. His counsel shall stand, and He will do all His pleasure. Blessed be His name for this soul-sustaining assurance! It quiets the heart at all times. Jehovah is behind the scenes. Every wheel, every screw, every pivot in the vast machine of human affairs is under His control. Though His name be not known or acknowledged by the children of earth, His finger is seen, His word is trusted, and His end expected by the children of faith.

C. H. Mackintosh