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Have you ever sung your child to sleep? Even as an adult, listening to quiet Christian music relaxes me and helps me sleep, despite fears, sickness, anxiety, or agitation. I have seen firsthand how a praise song or hymn has consoled others—over-tired children, a grieving friend, a loved one battling illness, a parishioner near the end of life, and a restless soul in a nursing home.
Psalm 42:8 says, “In the night the Lord’s song will be with
me . . .” As I recently read this verse, I envisioned Jesus kneeling by my
bedside singing me to sleep. An awesome sense of peace stole over me just
imagining this tender scene.
In the previous seven verses of Psalm 42 David describes how
he has been feeling—defeated, discouraged, disgruntled—feelings we all face at
one time or another. Where does David find his comfort? He says that in the
night watches, it is in the Lord’s song.
What might “the Lord’s song” mean to David—and to us? While
our ears may not hear the Lord’s voice, our hearts can. Perhaps it is inwardly
listening to the words of a hymn or chorus that we have sung countless times.
Maybe it is through inspired instrumental music played quietly in the
background. Even nature’s night sounds—the hoot of an owl, crickets chirping,
peepers peeping, the lapping of waves, a cat purring—can be a “song” the Lord
uses to remind us of His presence, that we are not alone. The how doesn’t
matter. Letting the Lord minister to us with His song can overcome our fear,
soothe our fevered body, relieve our anxiety, and calm our agitation.
Have your experienced the solace of “the Lord’s song”?
"LORD, You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble and
surround me with songs of deliverance."
Psalm 37:2
Be encouraged!
Pam
©2016 Pamela D. Williams
