“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
— Psalm 1:1-2
This project was partially born out of a conviction that the habits we form between dusk and dawn have a profound effect on the rest of our lives. Some of that is physical. Our sleep is profoundly important for our overall health, beaten perhaps only by our chosen morning beverage—coffee is the only acceptable choice. There are mental and emotional factors too. Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger1.” Being determined to cut off our anger before we sleep—especially towards those closest to us—has no doubt saved countless marriages and friendships.
This devotional newsletter is all about attending to another kind of health, our spiritual health, and forming habits to help us towards that end. The goal is bigger than that though. We want to be blessed, yes, we even want to do all we can to avoid the way of sinners and scoffers, but we will only succeed in that if our eyes are taken off of ourselves and placed firmly on God.
Is our delight found in his law? Do we rejoice because of the words in this book?
Do we take time to meditate on it both day and night?
As we pray, look beyond yourself. This isn’t simply a request for aid, or a shopping list of things you need. This is part of our worship to God, giving our attention and our lives again to him tonight.
Praying through the Bible
Bless me, O Lord, with a greater love of your word.
Lead me away from those who would give me wicked counsel,
Deliver me from the way of sinners,
Thank you Lord that you saved me while I still sat seated among the scoffers;
Before I knew the delight I would find in your holy law.
Give me the strength to meditate on your word day and night.
Grant me understanding as I meditate on your word day and night.
Draw me ever closer to you as I meditate on your word day and night.
Amen
Thanks for joining me for today’s dusk devotional.
I’ll see you again tomorrow at dawn.
Today’s Readings
These readings are the same as those found in this morning’s newsletter. Different people find different times more fruitful than others. Arising early to read one’s Bible is a great goal, but taking time in the evening after all other tasks have been completed might free your mental capacity more. Whatever you choose, make sure to reserve a portion of each day to spend in God’s word.
Whether you’re ready to sit and read these now, or you think later might be a better fit, I recommend looking through your plan for the day now. If you follow this Bible reading plan, you’ll finish the whole Bible by the end of the year. We’re starting this morning with just 26 verses, across four chapters of the Bible. When will you sit down to read or listen to them?
2 John 1:1-3
Psalm 1
Psalm 2
Adam, Seth, Enosh; Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared; Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech; Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.
1 Chronicles 1:1–52
Recommended Media to End Your Day
It is so easy to get dragged into the daily news cycle, or a social media scroll early in the morning. Here’s some fun and edifying media to get you started instead, now you’ve finished your dawn Bible reading.
One of my favourite authors released a staggering amount of books last year, one of which was his take on the film, “The Princess Bride.” Check out my sixty second review to find out whether it might be up your street too!
Ephesians 4:27
1-2 Chronicles are two of the most overlooked books of the Bible, despite covering great swathes of history, and God’s faithfulness throughout. Each day I’ll share a short portion of these books, so by the end of the year, you’ll have read through them in their entirety.
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