
“But I will sing of your might; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress.”-Psalm 59:16
David was in BIG TROUBLE! He’d made a mortal enemy of King Saul, who sent a band of assassins to kill him. All through the night (and for many more days and nights) David feared for his life. He called upon God for help and sanctuary. David pictured God as a fortress or high tower that would lift him up and protect him. All through the night and into the morning David sang songs of praise of God’s power, mercy, and strength.
I’ve never feared for my life as David did, but there have been times in my life when I worried about the safety of those I care most about. Nighttime was and is always the hardest. When activity ceases and we are in bed trying to sleep, the mind conjures up worst-case scenarios. Singing or listening to songs of praise to God helps me interrupt that downward spiral and to finally fall asleep secure in God’s love and care.
Dear God, help me to always remember to sing: “Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him! All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him. Let the Amen sound from his people again, gladly forever adore him.”[1] Amen.
-Cathey Frederick
[1] Hymnal 1982, #390