The Most Dangerous Time of the Day (1 Peter 5:8)

My day begins very early, arising at 4:20 AM and arriving at my office by 5 AM. On a good day, I work until about 4:30 PM and am home by 5 PM. My wife works very long hours as well, beginning her day at 8 AM and working to at least 6:30 PM. My son and daughter awaken by 630 AM are in school until 330 PM and, depending upon the day of the week, engage in after school activities that may last until 5:30 PM. The family gathers for dinner at 645 PM. This is the only time of the day we meet together as a family during the week. It is also the most dangerous time of the day.

Our busy lifestyle is recreated in many homes in America. For most families, the dinner should be a time of warmth and reflection. However, within our family, it sometimes becomes a time of conflict. We are all hungry and tired after a long day of school or work. I am more susceptible to this fatigue than the rest of the family. In the comfort of the dining table, I let my guard down. I let my thoughts linger on negative events of the day and my irritability ignites a short fuse. Many an argument has erupted during a time that should be a festive and restful fellowship. I reflected upon this the other day and the reason was quite evident.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

When does Satan attack us? Anytime. When we think we are in the safety and comfort of our family and loved ones, he attacks. When we are tired and hungry, he attacks. When we are praying, he attacks. This should come as no surprise. This is exactly what he did when he attacked Jesus Christ. In the desert, after forty days of fasting, Satan tempted Him. During the last supper as Jesus comforted His disciples in the upper room, Satan attacked and entered into Judas Iscariot to lead him to betray Jesus. And in the agonizing moments of Jesus’ prayer to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He sweat drops of blood, Satan was there, tempting Jesus to abandon His mission to die on the Cross and receive our punishment for the sins of the world upon His broken Body.

Unlike me, Jesus was tempted in all ways but never sinned. Jesus shows me that I do not have to live a life of frustration and disappointment. I have confessed and repented of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior; dwelling within me, is the same power of the Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead!

What is the most dangerous time of the day? Any moment I take my eyes off of Jesus and do not allow the Holy Spirit to control my life.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.