Sports can be so captivating if not addictive. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar had the world spellbound. Athletics teaches us that some things in life can be so brief, yet magnetic. Take for example the 100 meters final at the Rio 2016 Olympics. For residents of most parts of Africa, the finals took place in the dead of the night. Many sports enthusiasts stayed awake to watch the event. The attraction was to catch a glimpse of the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt. He did not disappoint as he coasted to the finish line in 9.96 seconds, becoming the first man to win the race in three different Olympics staged on three different continents. Staying awake was the price people paid to watch their darling athlete.
David had a different reason for staying awake. For him, God and His word were the only strong force that could deservedly rob him of sleep. In the middle of the night, he meditated on God’s word and communed with Him. Arguably, most prophetic psalms were given to him at such seasons. Through constant meditation he was able to gain a panoramic view of God’s activities through time into eternity. God has not stopped giving revelation to people; but only to those who are willing to pay the price. Events can be revealed before they occur; but who is willing to tarry before God? If people can forgo sleep and other comforts to see their idol, should we not rather be ready to sacrifice everything to hear and see the King of Kings?