A Song in the Night

  

 Thankfulness! We had the opportunity to do a little reminiscing this past week end. This past year has been among the most memorable in my life, and not for it's ease.  Dissension, exodus, disease, and deep waters are words that describe some of my feelings and the realities of the past year. How can we be thankful when we are facing what seems like insurmountable impossibilities? That's where the song in the night enters in.

Yes I am very thankful, but my resilience has been tested.  A few weeks ago I challenged our Bible study group with this thought: If our God is not 'speaking' to us then perhaps our God is dead. From words in 1 Samuel sin also keeps God from speaking other than in discipline.  I have 'heard' the Holy Spirit's nudging to often to not recognize that He will lead us into truth.

Last night I woke for no apparent reason.  Immediately a song was on my lips- no I hadn't heard or sung it recently. The words 'triumphantly the church will rise'  melodiously flooded my mind, ringing in  my head. Yes, I had just finished reading an article the previous day about carnage in the evangelical church, the result of human failure by some men of renown. While that may have played a role in my mind's depths, I think the song was more likely related to the past year in my life, our lives, and perhaps yours and was God's encouraging voice.

One of Job's counselor friends (Job 35:10) recognized that God gives songs in the night.  Psalm 16:7 says "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me." Songs in the night are meant to encourage.

So what about the song in the night? First of all it reminds me of God's faithfulness: He walks with me! Second, it helps me look forward. Psalm 40:3- He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Third it reminds me of Jesus' words: If you have faith and do not doubt,...you will say to this mountain: 'be lifted up and fall into the sea.'  

Does Jesus care? O yes He cares! Be encouraged! We serve the Living God who hears and walks with us in all of life's journey! (Take time to listen to the song: 'Triumphantly the church will rise.')