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Music & Worship

Scripture and Song Part III
My God Gives Me Songs in the Night

Job 35:10, Psalm 42:8, Isaiah 30:29, Acts 16:25

As we continue our study of Scripture and Song, we look at one of the most reassuring aspects of the Song in Scripture-comfort in difficult situations. Embedded in the sung praise of God is the realization that singing is one of the primary ways that God causes a believer to understand and then express His greatness. And it is in the difficult times, "the dark night of the soul" that a Christian's faith can reach to the sublime heights of God's grace. We will visit other Psalms over the next months; let today's devotional encourage you today.

ALL BELIEVERS HAVE TWO NATURES: one that dwells in the darkness and another that shines in the true light of God's presence and blessing. King David was no exception. In many of his writings, he begins in a mournful key yet ends with a burst of joyful song. (see Psalm 13)

The Christian life is filled with trouble. For many, this is hard to understand, but even a casual reading of Scripture substantiates this truth. It was Oswald Chambers who referred to his own spiritual struggles when he called a time in his life "the dark night of the soul."

The gloom of night is dark. A time of loneliness and often, paralyzing fear. But, Scripture encourages song in the face of fear and doubt. Now for many, it is not natural to sing, especially in the night. It's hard. But yet, the significance of singing a hymn in difficult times is critical for the Christian. For a hymn provides the entrance of God's word into the mind by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There is never a time so dark that we should neglect the beautiful poetry of Lamentations 3:22, words written by a prophet that understood discouragement:

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.

Singing a great hymn in the darkness of your despair can awaken your faith. It lifts your heart and allows god to send the light of understanding flooding into your mind. That shaft of sunshine reaching your soul may be just a sliver; but, it's enough to begin the process of banishing fear and bringing a sense of hope into "the dark night of your soul."

In heaven (that place of perpetual light) the angels are continually employed in singing the praises of God. (See Is. 6:3, Rev. 4:8) Thus, the message of Scripture is clear: the unending song of heaven is that of angels' holy harmony; we too then, must fill our heart, mind (and voice!) with a perpetual song of praise and worship to God.

Sing! Not only will your faith be strengthened, but those around you will share in the light of God's grace as well. God will give you a song in the night: let it lift you to the heights of heaven and God's great grace!

To God Be the Glory!