While preparing this book, the phrase "evening wolves" kept haunting me. It demanded my attention so persistently that I finally gave in and devoted this page to it.

The evening wolf, maddened by a full day of hunger, is fiercer and more ravenous than he would have been at dawn. Don't these savage creatures perfectly picture our doubts and fears after a day of scattered thoughts, financial losses, and cruel words from others? How our thoughts howl in our ears: "Where is your God now?" How voracious and greedy they are, swallowing up every suggestion of comfort and remaining as hungry as before!

Great Shepherd, slay these evening wolves! Let your sheep lie down in green pastures, free from the fangs of insatiable unbelief.

The fiends of hell are just like evening wolves. When Christ's flock walks through cloudy, dark days—when their sun seems to be setting—that's when they rush in to tear and devour. They hardly dare attack the Christian in the bright daylight of faith. But in the gloom of soul conflict? They fall upon him! O you who laid down your life for the sheep, preserve us from the fangs of the wolf!

False teachers are evening wolves too—crafty and industrious hunters of precious souls, devouring men with their lies. Darkness is their element. Deceit is their character. Destruction is their end. And we are most in danger when they wear the sheep's skin. Blessed is the one who escapes them! Thousands have become prey to these grievous wolves that slip into the church's fold.

But what a wonder of grace when fierce persecutors are converted! Then the wolf dwells with the lamb. Men with cruel, ungovernable hearts become gentle and teachable. O Lord, convert many such wolves—for them we will pray tonight.