In the night, when the world grows quiet, thoughts wander over restless fields of life, death, regret, pain, and loneliness. These broken places are the ghosts that keep us from finding the sleep we need. For those who believe in God, the appeal is made for His presence and peace.
Over the past few months, I have been drawn to the Psalms. I think it has to do with where I am in life. It’s been on my mind that within a few weeks I will enter the last year of my 50s. Or maybe it has to do with the increasing number of friends who are suffering health-related struggles that have changed their lives. One thing I noticed as I read through the Psalms is the way they speak of the night.
Not every Psalm is written by King David. Some are written by other well-known people, even Moses! Some are anonymous. But I can imagine those ancient nights, darker than any this city boy has ever known. The silence of the night sky led to reflections in the minds of the Psalmists, thoughts of wonder, the smallness of self in comparison with the black night sky, and the silent lights that sparkle there.
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? … All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. - Psalm 6, NIV
We are not strangers to tears in the night. Whatever has hurt us seems to be magnified in the quiet of darkness. David’s appeal is for mercy, healing, and comfort. Maybe that’s a prayer you’re praying tonight. You are not alone.
I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. - Psalm 16:7, NLT
Sometimes in the night, we arrive at truths that eluded us in the noise and activity of the day. We are able to see clearly without distractions. Finally, we give space for God’s voice and we find clarity.
By day the Lord decrees his loyal love, and by night he gives me a song, a prayer to the God of my life. - Psalm 42:8, NET
Night is not only the time of weeping and questioning, it is also at times the time of praise and comfort. It is a time when we can remember the unchanging love of God and even be moved to whisper a song as we fall asleep. That is the comfort I long for in the night.
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. - Psalm 63:6, NIV
I lie awake at night, thinking of your promises. - Psalm 119:148, CEV
We awaken for various reasons throughout the night. I seem to always think of someone I’ve been praying for and take a moment between slumbers to bring their name before the Lord. Especially if awakening from a nightmare or a disturbing dream, I am reminded to call upon the Lord that I know is near to me through the passage of night.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. - Psalm 30:5, ESV
The night never lasts forever. Soon the morning sky begins to lighten what was impenetrable darkness. The night served its purpose by bringing us to a new day. The tears of the night give way to renewed hope, joy in the morning.
…Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. - Psalm 139:12, NIV
No matter what the night brings for you tonight, remember that it is never dark to the Lord. The darkest night is as bright as daylight to Him. So you can rest, assured, knowing that He is near and watchful.
The Psalms relate to our everyday lives in many ways. In the night, at least for me, is when I need to know He is there.
Is there a Psalm that brings you comfort and peace? I’d love for you to share it in the comments.
I’ve been prone to anxiety attacks most of my life, so I am well acquainted with the runaway thoughts of the night. When I am having an especially difficult time, I recite either the Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 23, or both. I begin with repeating over and over until my mind calms, then I move into line-by-line--reciting a line then praying my thoughts from the truths therein.
Psalm 3:3 (LEB): 3 But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me,
my glory and the one who lifts up my head.
I love the song that goes with this. Thanks for the writing John.