Have you ever heard a song in the night? How about in a "night season" when it seems there is no song to be heard?
I've been facing some challenges lately. These challenges are "common to man" and certainly pale in comparison to what many others are facing. But they are challenges nonetheless.
And as a result, I find something happening that doesn't make me feel very comfortable...
Mood swings.
It seems within the same day, or even the same hour or, sadly, at times the same breath, my perspective on my current challenge can swing dramatically. It's as if in one moment I might say...
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
And the very next moment I recover and respond:
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
You may have noticed that I'm quoting Psalm 42, which tracks not less than five distinct and pretty abrupt mood or perspective changes by the Pslamist. Some of the swings in emotions come mid-sentence. It's rather disturbing. It's rather realistic, especially if you are facing a challenge that cuts you to your core. It could be financial. It could be relational. It could be health-related. It could be an internal struggle that is causing loss of hope.
These challenges can make even the brightest day seem... dark. And darkness can be crippling and disorienting and defeating.
And then, right in the midst of this Psalm, a ray of hope...
The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.
This week, those words took hold of my heart, especially that second line
And His song will be with me in the night.
When the challenges of life bring seasons of darkness, can you imagine that these words are part of a greater reality? Can you envision that God has a song for you and that song will be with you in the night season? I can't tell you specifically what that song sounds like, but I’m sure it's a song of God's pleasure and His affection.
In this season of my life, I've been interpreting many of my life experiences through songs I write. Here's what I came up with in reflecting on this season of challenge, and the deeper reality of His song resonating through the dark times...
Song in the night
My soul thirsts for God
For the living God
As the deer pants for the water
So my soul thirsts for you
(Chorus)
(E B C#m A)
And His song will be with me in the night
This is my prayer to the God of my life
When they say, "Where is your God?"
I say why so downcast O my soul?
(2x)
(last time) Put your hope in God
(Verse two)
(E A C#m B)
Why despair my soul
Fed by tears alone
As the deer pants for the water
I pour out my soul to you
(Close)
This is my song in the night
(3x)
Your song in me
Thanks for listening!
Steve Elliott
P.S. I know this is quite different from the typical Grassfire politically oriented emails, but it is part of our new emphasis here at Grassfire. We are working to "help America thrive,"' and that includes incorporating a more contemplative approach to life in general. I recently completed an e-course called Thriving 101 that I encourage you to experience. Thanks so much for all you are doing to help America thrive again!
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