As night falls and the world quiets down, many individuals turn to prayer to find comfort and peace. In these tranquil moments, we are reminded of the powerful reassurance offered in Exodus 14:14, which states, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). This evening, we focus on the unwavering certainty that God is actively working to clear a path for us, removing any obstacles that may hinder the fulfillment of His promises in our lives. In times of difficulty, we are encouraged to remain calm and place our unwavering trust in the Lord, who stands as our steadfast protector. This evening prayer serves as a pathway to uncover peace before we drift into sleep, helping us to experience God’s protective presence throughout the night hours.
What Does it Mean to “Hold My Peace”?
To “hold our peace” is not merely about passive inactivity; it’s an active, faith-filled decision to:
- Cease Striving: This echoes Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” It involves letting go of the need to control or fix situations on our own and acknowledging God’s sovereignty and capability to handle our affairs.
- Quiet Our Anxious Thoughts: This aligns with Philippians 4:6-7, which urges us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It’s about silencing the internal noise of worry, doubt, and fear, choosing instead to focus on God’s promises.
- Rest in God’s Promises: This principle is rooted in Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” It’s about anchoring our hearts in the unwavering belief that God will fulfill what He has promised. It’s embracing a deep, settled trust in His faithfulness, as seen in Numbers 23:19, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
- Trust in His Timing: This reflects the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Understanding and trusting in God’s perfect timing, even when it differs from our own expectations, is crucial. It’s patiently waiting for His intervention, as Psalm 27:14 encourages, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord,” knowing He works all things for our good, according to Romans 8:28.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father,
As the quiet of evening surrounds us, we come before You, choosing to hold our peace amidst life’s battles. We claim Your promise to fight for us, asking for the grace to truly be still—not just physically, but in our minds and hearts. We seek Your peace and protection as we prepare for rest, knowing that You are our refuge and strength. We also ask for the grace to stand firm in our faith, unwavering in our trust in You alone. Strengthen our belief in Your able power and might, that we may not be swayed by doubt or fear. Help us to rest secure in the knowledge of Your unwavering faithfulness and perfect control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Evening Confessions (Finding Comfort and Strength in Scripture):
- Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).
I confess that the Lord fights for me, and I choose stillness and unwavering trust in His promises. - Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
I confess I will be still, quieting my anxieties, and know that the Lord is God, sovereign and in control. - Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon forged against you will prevail” (Isaiah 54:17).
I declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper, for God is my defender. - Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
I confess God’s peace, beyond my understanding, guards my heart and mind tonight.