It’s February 1st. I always see the 1st of each month as a fresh start! This month we will have Valentine’s Day — and for those of you who have lost your husband, a bittersweet day. We will also, just a couple of days later, have Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent — a day when we identify with the sacrifice that Christ made for us, identify with His suffering, and prepare our hearts for the great celebration of His love and resurrection.
Many of you who are participating on this blog have lost someone you love dearly, perhaps even a spouse — and Valentine’s Day is a kind of night. Yet the promise of spring and the resurrection is surely a song in the night.
Years before my husband’s fatal diagnosis, he became a huge Charles Spurgeon fan. Here was one of Steve’s favorite quotes from Spurgeon:
“The world has its night…man too, like the great world in which he lives, must have his night…nights of all kind which press upon our spirits and terrify our souls. But blessed be God, the Christian can say, ‘God gives me songs in the night.”
Here are your questions for the week. Many are telling me they are amazed at the depth of the answers on this blog. I want to encourage you that you are not only speaking the truth to your own soul, but encouraging many others who at this point may either be hurting too much to write, or are the introverts who often sit silently in a Bible study.
Start listening and singing “Come Thou Fount.” We’ll dig into it on the next post.
1. If you have a copy of The God of All Comfort, did anything stand out to you in pages 51 to the top of 53?
2. Meditate on Psalm 77:4-6. Describe the lament, then the resolve.
3. What do you think the phrase “songs in the night” means? Explain your answer.
4. Give an example from your own life, a recent one, if possible, of God giving you a song in the midst of your night. Make this concise and clear — for your song may be a song that floats into another’s night and gives them hope.
(On pages 41-43 of The God of All Comfort, I give examples of songs that came in my night.)
5. The phrase “songs in the night” also occurs in Job. Find it. Comment on it.
6. Are you dreading Valentine’s Day? Sometimes we can be proactive about hard days. How might you, if you are dreading it, be proactive? Pray and see if God gives you a plan. If so, share it.
7. Let’s each send a valentine with a note to someone who might be dreading it and be accountable to each other! Get it ready to mail by the end of this week! (I personally much prefer the real tangible kinds to the internet!) Or better yet, if you can afford it, send a book or flowers!
51 comments
With Dee’s mention of the upcoming, dreaded “Valentine’s Day,” I feel compelled to post the reason I dread it. I’m sure there are other women out there in my situation. Be encouraged…God has not forsaken us! (see Hebrews 13:5)
You see, I suffer the stigma of divorce. Yes, I said “stigma,” for that’s how I feel at times. The church rallies around a woman whose husband has died (and rightly so). However, if, as in my case, your husband chose not to honor his marriage vows, leaving you alone, the church doesn’t seem quite as supportive. I’ve come to realize that truly godly people will take the time to find out details as to why I’m divorced. The people who look at me as one of “them,” well, they need my prayers!
Those of us in my situation are suffering the loss of a husband in much the same way as a woman whose husband has died. Take courage (2 Timothy 1:7)! God is still in control (Jeremiah 29:11). Rest assured that Genesis 50:20 is as true for us in our situation as it was for Joseph in his situation.
Marlys
Like you I had already started to dread Valentine’s Day. I thought about what to do and have decided to focus on the ‘TRUE LOVER OF MY SOUL’. It’s on Sunday this year so it will be easy to concentrate on Him. Since my SS class is made up of divorced singles, I won’t feel so alone in it. I’ll be lifting you up to our Maker-your Husband.(Is 54:4-5)
I would also like to recommend ‘After the Locusts:Restoring Ruined Dreams, Reclaiming Wasted Years’ written by Jan Coleman. It’s a look at the book of Joel and stories of women such as ourselves. I got it @ CBD. Have a blessed week.
Links to Spurgeon’s “Songs in the Night” sermon:
(I like the first one because main points are bolded and Scripture is NIV)
http://www.biblebb.com/files/spurgeon/2558.htm
http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/2558.htm
You are the best with this kind of help, Renee. Thank you!
Absolutely, Maryls. Mine are sweet tears, yours are bitter tears. God sees them both and cares. I wonder if those in your situation might find some consolation in Hagar’s story — He is the God who sees.
I am eager to see how you answer the questions from your point of pain. There are so many out there who have similar situations.
1. I read pp 51-53 earlier today. I’m still smiling at the comparison viewing Dec night skies to a re-enactment of Valley Forge! Dark nights are sometimes cold nights.
Something else that struck me was that songs that God gives us in the night are often ones he has taught us during the day.
I just signed into this new post and read your comments. My husband died 34 years ago so all I can speak to is long ago memories softened by a 32 year marriage to the wonderful man I share my life with now. However, just two days before Valentine’s Day last year I lost my dad quite suddenly, followed six weeks later by the loss of my mom. So I will approach these questions with Dad and Mom in mind.
Dee, the picture on this post is amazing! Is it available somewhere?
Praying for you Janet. This will always be a bittersweet time of year — and this year — the loss so fresh. Mother and Dad!
#2:
V. 4& 5 are the lament, I think: “You hold my eyelids open. I am so troubled I can not speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago.”
V 4 & 5 in my own words: Lord, When I think about the wasted years, I can’t sleep! I have no one to talk to lying here alone in the middle of the night. I get all wrapped up in my troubles.
V. 6 is the resolve: Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart. Then my spirit made a diligent search.
V.6 in my own words: Lord, please bring some hope…some comfort to me this dark night! Help me get my mind off my troubles and on to the hope You offer me! When I remember songs You’ve given me, I’m able to relax me in Your loving arms, Lord.
Good, Marlys.
Re: #3: I think the phrase “songs in the night” means knowing in one’s heart, beyond all reason, that God will deliver us from that which all but blackens the sight of Him in that fearful darkness. We cling to Him not because we are able to do that ourselves but because He has kept us strong. That alone is reason to sing to Him, the Tender Lover Of Our Souls, in the darkest void.
Welcome Tracy. Loved this comment and your work on the last post. Don’t feel like you have to do past homework, just do your best to keep up! Glad to have you.
2. Lament & resolve
-v. 4 (and verses prior) show the psalmist’s lament. He couldn’t even get a temporary break from his distress in the form of sleep. And he was too distraught to talk about his situation. (I wonder if he initially was looking to sleep or to others for relief, instead of to God?? I do that.)
v. 5 This might be the start of his resolve?? He thought about “days long ago,” possibly including the times that predate him. Thinking about God’s faithfulness to great saints throughout history may have encouraged him (but recalling historical evens during deep grief would be hard, though later in the chapter, God’s faithfulness during specific historical events was described). He also may have recalled God’s faithfulness to himself.
v. 6 seems more personal, i.e., “my song.” He is resolving to remember God’s faithfulness to him, to meditate, to ponder God’s character and His works. His resolve seems even stronger later in the chapter (after v. 10), after he has experienced some relief (v. 10 “It is my grief that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” At least, I think that means he has experienced some relief ???).
What is hitting me now is that sometimes I WANT to think about ______ (whatever problem) and am too stubborn to turn to God (and it’s arrogant to think I can solve a crisis better than He can or make myself feel much better by focusing on pain). It is much harder to resolve to focus on God and trust Him when I’m in grief/distress/depression, even though desperation sometimes leads me to Him. That’s why it’s so important for me to develop habits of turning to Him and trusting Him daily, so that I turn to Him more quickly when I’m hurting.
I’m thinking “on paper” here — and still have questions swimming in my mind.
Good paper thinking. Am doing a little devotional called Jesus Calling by Sara Young. So good. She says worry is idolatry, for the reasons you’ve given. Nailed me!
2. Psalm 77:4-6 laments a lost connection with God. Help me! Help me! I’m desperate, I need You. You used to be there for me. I used to cry out to you and you answered, filling me with joyful songs. What happened? I resolve to search my soul until I discover where I have changed, where I have gone wrong. I need to know what has taken me from You.
Oh how I wish I did not understand this lament! Two years ago I finished the manuscript for my book. I had just spent 9 months writing this story, 9 months filled with such a tender, holy connection that left me in amazement that such words came from my pen (laptop). A year later my layout designer presented me with a beautiful cover and lovely fonts, a chapter symbol that was such a beautiful cross. I couldn’t wait to have a book in hand. It was all so good and so right and so filled with Holy Spirit. Every night was a song.
Then January came and Mom’s cancer returned. In February my sister and I drove from Ohio to North Carolina to bring Mom and Dad back home until Mom died, after that Dad would return to NC. The day before we were to leave for Ohio Dad wanted to play one last round of golf with his buddies. He woke up so happy that morning, whistling and singing “Zipidee Do Dah, Zipidee Yeah, My oh my what a wonderful day!” He told us he’d be back by 2:00 and then we’d pack the car to leave. At noon we got the call. He had a massive heart attack on the 16th hole. He never recovered. Six weeks later, back in Ohio, Mom died. The next week I received the proof copy of my book. Eight weeks after that our son was arrested and three weeks after that he tried to kill himself. That’s when the words of this psalm became my words. “You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray!”
That distress was my nighttime. During the daytime I gave book talks and was asked over and over when I would have the next book finished. And nighttime came and I could not pray. Like the psalmist I began to search my soul pondering the difference. That pondering led me to this study – a regular discipline of study and prayer. Last week, each morning, I would wake singing the first verse of “It Is Well With My Soul.” It took a few days of this before I realized that I was making that connection again. I could sit with scripture and be taken into it again. What had happened? I pondered some more. What was the difference? It was well with my soul…that was the difference.
This study is a struggle. I want to stay on top – just above the hard stuff. I know I need to grieve my parents. Especially as this first anniversary of their deaths approaches. I am eager for those “songs in the night”. I long for the flow of words to begin again. Oh, come thou fount of every blessing. Come, Lord Jesus!
Dear Janet! I see you posted this at 12:50 AM. I take that to mean you couldn’t sleep! I am so, so sorry for all the tragedy in your life. I’m holding you up to The God of all Comfort!
You mention “It is Well With my Soul.” I memorized those precious words years ago…not because I particularly wanted to…I HAD to. Think about this line: “When sorrows like sea billows role.” Precious Janet, don’t run from the pain. Let the “sorrows like sea billows role.” You’ll find God waiting with open arms in the midst of it. Allow Him to take you “there.” Trust yourself to His loving care. He is faithful! He won’t let the pain swallow you!
I’ve been prayerfully considering question #4 in this week’s study. I came here to post my response. I will post it here, in my response to you, since I think it might help you:
One song God gives me “in the night” often is “The Solid Rock.” The first line always comes to me:
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.” I have to admit there are times when that’s the LAST thing I want popping into my head!
I want to shout at God, “Can’t You see what has happened to me?! I have no hope here!”
But, sweetly, patiently He administers the words to my failing heart again, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.” Followed by: “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
Yes, Lord, I’m sinking…You got THAT right!
“Why, my child, are you sinking?” He gently asks.
Why am I SINKING?! I know You’re not blind, Lord! How can You ask?!
Patiently He administers again: “all other ground is sinking sand.”
I will begin to cry…sob…all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand.
You see, Janet, I know God brings us to the dark night of pain so He can show us that HE ALONE is our SOLID ROCK. Nothing else is able to sustain us. When things are going smoothly and we are able to push the pain down, we “stand” on other things…friendship, church, work, and number of other “things.” God wants us to plant our feet firmly on “The Solid Rock.”
Marlys,
Thank you for your prayers and the song in the night. It is helpful.
THE SOLID ROCK:
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
May I recommend two additional CD’s with songs that have brought me comfort?
Greatest Hymns by Selah ~ this CD contains several of the hymns that are a part of the study. And, Draw Me Close by Kathy Troccoli ~ includes My Life Is In Your Hands, which is a personal favorite and sung in Kathy’s uniquely gifted style.
Thanks, Vicki! I have the Selah Hymns also, and it is such a blessing, isn’t it? I don’t have the Kathy Troccoli one, I’ll have to look into that. Bless you!
Ladies, I am again a bit behind, yes I too will miss Anne and her insights. I have struggled with where God wants me as well, Anne. And I keep coming back here…not always posting but reading, reflecting, praying. The day after mama died, Dad desired to go to church so we went…the song we sang, “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” and I sang it with tears streaming down my face. It was a reminder that my faith is in HIM and I will go on standing firm, believing, hoping, waiting for the day when I see Jesus’ face and my mama again…
When I read pages 51-53 I thought about how when I can’t sleep at night, I wake up with a song on my mind and it plays over and over again. This happens most nights for the last 25yrs…when I was pregnant and my ex wanted a divorce. So I understand that pain and how it was hard because you feel so unworthy of being loved. It’s interesting now what songs God puts on my heart. We sang a song Sunday in choir about somebody’s watching/praying over me and it has been in my mind alot re:my daughter. God is watching over her and others including myself are praying. I found it nice to think of your daughter hearing her dad singing hymns. What a legacy he left her.
Ps 77:4-6 really speaks to me. I had cancer with my first pregnancy and then threats of divorce with the 2nd…so I remember the lamenting I did with God both times and looking back how God carried me through both pregnancies. Again my songs in the night over and over with words of hope, healing, encouragement, or whatever I need at the time.
I keep coming back too. I miss my friends. God is blessing my decision but I miss all of you.
I hope you will be able to “pop in” and say “hi” periodically 🙂
Psalm 77 4-6
4. You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.
5. I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;
6. I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired:
The lament of the Psalm is overwhelming. He remembers the years that were good and grieved, but in the night the songs came to comfort him. His heart mused…. To be absorbed in one’s thoughts; engage in meditation. According to the definition, he was absorbed in his heart and mind’s thoughts. He meditated on the songs in the night.
3. Songs in the night are the comforting songs or words of poetry that speak to us to lift our spirits.
4. Once, I had a similar experience. When the doctors told me that my child would have Cerebral Palsy and would probably not walk. Psalm 91 came to my mind as I wept the outcome of my beautiful baby boy. All I could do was repeat and repeat the words at 1:00 am while my child lay in the hospital miles away from me.
1. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a
2 I will say [b] of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
It was really hard to accept and I am not sure I did accept it that night, but I tried to trust “my refuge and fortress.” 18 years later I still struggle with it, and as many have lost someone dear, I have lost the future of my child: first steps, first bike ride, first date, driver’s license, graduation, wedding, college, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, family…The pain rolls over me at every milestone, like waves coming in from the ocean that will never end. That is why I am desparate for this study to help me in my grief.
Robin, years ago I read a something in an Ann Landers or Dear Abby column (don’t remember which). It’s written by a Mom with a disabled child. It was comforting to me, I hope it will be for you, too:
http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html
I’m praying for you.
My copy of Holland is yellowed and worn from years of raising different children. Thank you for reminding me. While Italy seems to be the place to be, Holland has all those beautiful tulips!!
Thank you Marly! It is sooo true! I do enjoy my special little “Holland,” but there are those days that I still long for Italy! 🙂 Thanks for your prayers.
2. In v.4 the psalmist is lamenting to God about his bout with insomnia. His pain has cut his soul so deep it cannot be expressed with words. (He does not have the promise of the Spirit who expresses our groans before the Father, but he has confidence God hears him)
In vv.5-6 he has resolved to remember better days and ponders God’s truth.
3. Songs in the night are the ‘rope God gives us to hang onto’ when we are in the midst of our storm waiting to be rescued.
4. As a choir member I sung many songs in 2009 that helped me work through my pain. Earlier today I prayed for help to remember one that spoke volumes to me. It came to mind this afternoon.
FOR GOOD
He was the younger son. Who could have known he would wear a crown.
As Joseph dreamed his brothers schemed to take him down.
But Joseph trusted on as one by one the trials came amd made him strong.
When the moment came that God ordained He raised the man.
His heart was pure for he was sure it was all God’s plan.
And Joseph could forgive and let his brother’s live.
For what they meant as evil God had meant
For good For good
God takes the circumstances and works them all like only He could for good.
He puts it all together just the way a loving father would for good.
So keep on trusting that God is working for good.
So when life seems hard and the place you are feels cold and dark.
When old memories drive you to your knees God sees your scars.
That’s when He reaches down and pulls you up.
You will stand in His power and sing again.
For good For good
God takes the circumstances and works them all like only He could for good.
He puts it all together just the way a loving father would for good.
So keep on trusting that God is working for good.
So when your heart is broken God gives the grace to endure.
He’ll use the broken pieces to make a stronger heart that is sure.
For good For good
God takes the circumstances and works them all like only He could for good.
He puts it all together just the way a loving father would for good.
So keep on trusting that God is working for good.
He is working for good. For good.
3. Songs in the Night
At first, I thought “songs in the night” referred to music that God gave me during periods of darkness to comfort me, to help me “hang on.” Although songs in the night do comfort me and help me hang on, I think they may be more than songs of comfort during dark times. I wonder if songs in the night aren’t those songs directed to God, praising Him for who He is, thanking Him for what He has done in the past and/or acknowledging our hope in Him for the future. That is, one of the reasons songs in the night are comforting is because they allow me to focus on God rather than on my own pain.
I could be completely wrong here, but in the middle of a painful night, a lament seems to lead me to cry myself into deeper exhaustion, whereas a song in the night seems like a hopeful break/ peace during the lament, maybe even a transition to resolving to rest in God.
I’m not quite wrapping my brain or my heart around this one (although my heart is making faster progress than my brain).
What I love about the women God has brought to this blog is their pondering spirits.
Perhaps going on to Job will add more light.
The question Renee poses — are songs just musical songs, or could it be more?
Here is The Message’s paraphrase of the passage in Job with “songs in the night.” It’s a speech from Elihu, who has true comments, but misapplies them to Job. We must not dismiss all of Elihu’s words, but realize they were misapplied to Job. Job was suffering because of an attack by Satan, not because he had forgotten God’s goodness. Here is that paraphrase:
“When times get bad, people cry out for help.
They cry for relief from being kicked around,
But never give God a thought when things go well,
when God puts spontaneous songs in their hearts,
When God sets out the entire creation as a science classroom,
using birds and beasts to teach wisdom.
What do you think songs in the night mean based on the above?
I also have deeply appreciated the testimonies from women to whom God gave “songs in the night” during difficult pregnancies or the birth of a handicapped child. Robin says, concerning her child with cerebral palsy, “The pain rolls over me with every milestone.” It is good to remember that. I know those who have lost a mate by death or divorce feel that way — and it’s good to see that mothers of handicapped children have that ongoing sorrow too, for it increases our compassion.
Keep pondering the verses, one another’s questions — together we may better understand and hold to His songs in the night.
Here’s my GUESS on the passage in Job: I’m wondering if the passage is saying, “Get a clue, Renee! You cry out for help, for relief when you’re hurting, when life seems dark and bleak. But if you’d pay attention during daylight, God constantly gives you songs. If you open your eyes, everywhere you look, he is providing evidence of His goodness and wisdom.” The songs in the night, then, aren’t “hit and run” gifts from God, but part of continued evidence of His goodness. That makes it seem as if the songs God gives us in the night are fruits of our relationship with Him during the day or an ongoing part of our relationship with Him. The songs are given to us all the time — but nighttime might be the only time I’m quiet enough to hear them.
Dear Dee,
I just finished working through the last post on Psalm 30. I had read and re-read it for several days, and nothing spoke to me. I could not identify with dancing and rejoicing at all. I was let down and disappointed. I read Janet’s posting on her insights on disappointment. Lack of engagement.
I started afresh this morning, to really try to pray through the Psalm and praise God, putting it into my own words, even if I didn’t feel like praising Him.
Verse 12 stood out, the “silent heart” is one silenced by grief, depression, hopelessness, and hardness toward God.
I took note of your words about how praising God interrupts our self-preoccupation.
What really got me, though, was Part C, where you suggested that I “read as a lover reads – what do you see”
That was really new to me. Different from God as my Father, I am His child, He is my Savior, that kind of thing. Through reading the last part as a lover would read, My Bridegroom “kissed” me!
I would like to share Psalm 30, verses 11 and 12 in my own words, well, not really my own words, but the picture the Lord gave me this morning.
When I stood, all alone, desolate, wailing;
hands outstretched, but empty;
Then You approached, my Beloved Bridegroom.
You took hold of me and drew me close,
into Your arms.
You removed the sackcloth, whether of sin
or mourning,
and clothed me in the most beautiful garment
of joy;
a bridal gown, pure and white.
And we dance now, together.
No words need be spoken,
for my heart sings to You
a song of love and thanksgiving and
gratefulness forever.
I had noticed as I meditated on this Psalm that it was the Lord who removed the sackcloth and the Lord who clothed with joy. It never made sense to me, the dancing part, until I could see that I was not dancing alone. My heart feels so filled with His love right now I can hardly stand it!
Thank you, Susan. Very encouraging!
Susan,
That is so powerful, and paints such a vivid word picture of God’s love! Thank you so much for sharing. It really blesses me!
WOW. WOW.
YOU HAVE COMFORTED OTHERS WITH THE COMFORT YOU RECEIVED.
CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH.
In reference to Renee’s question about music being just words or something more:
Psalm 108 talks about singing praises with “my whole heart.” Another translation says, “my whole soul.” Maybe it’s just because I’m a musician, but music speaks to me more deeply than words. I see David referring to that in the psalms, too.
I don’t know if any of you have found this to be true, but when I’m at rock bottom (or seemingly lower) words seem empty of meaning; just so much blah blah blah. But music is able to penentrate my anguish and I feel God lifting me out of my dispair.
To me that’s the essence of “songs in the night.” When my soul feels blackest, God penetrates the darkness with a song.
I’m really wondering if “songs in the night” refer to more than music that comforts me. I, too, find that music penetrates so much more deeply than words alone, but am suspecting that the purpose of those songs in the night may be greater than my comfort. Sorry that I wasn’t more clear.
I know that God gives songs in the night, and that they do reach me when I’ve “hit bottom,” but I think there’s more — i.e., “it’s not about me” or at least not ALL about me. I’m wondering more about the “why?” — and something beyond my tendency to cry out “Help me God, and Help me right now!” God graciously responds by giving me songs in the night, but I don’t want to limit Him to a “vending machine” God (and when I view “songs in the night” as God responding to my need (and I am SO grateful that He does), whether I ask or not, it feels as if I am limiting God and not acknowledging His greatness and His beauty. And now I’m writing/thinking myself into confusion because I may be trying to get a bigger picture than my mind can grasp —- yet I want to KNOW God, so I might keep seeking.
I appreciate those who share their pain. My heart is compassionate for those who have lost their husbands through death or divorce and those with handicapped or unsaved children. I feel like I am on the other side and coming out of my “night of suffering”.
Question #1: I am encouraged when I read of God’s preparation before Steve’s death. It reminds me that God is watching over my life as only He can.
I found another song that goes along with the study and reminds me that one day there will be no more night. We have this glorious hope that there is an end to suffering. No more night sung by David Phelps.
When I first read Elihu’s word to Job I could only think of one word and that was accusation. I thought maybe Elihus was guilty of what he was accusing Job of. Not thinking about God. I then searched for Spurgeon’s thoughts on the verse. After reading his comments the picture came into focus. When my world began crumbling around me in May 2007, my pastor led the congregation through an in-depth Bible study:Praise More Powerful. The whole premise was to learn how to properly worship God. I must confess that at the time I could not see what I could praise God for.(I was extremely self-focused) For the first time in my life I began to be totally honest with God. I would tell Him I don’t feel like praising You but I’m going to anyway. Every day during the 9 wk study we had a daily praise activity and there were times I asked for help to praise. After a few weeks of daily praising God, I woke up one morning excited and I could not understand how I could be in so much emotional pain and be excited. As I found out later it was God filling me with His joy. I read this morning that only God can write the songs of the night. (Spurgeon) God wrote the prayers of praise I have recorded in my workbook because I certainly did not have it in my own strength to do so. He gave me the words and I wrote them down. Maybe that’s the key here in Job as Elihu stated.’God puts spontaneous songs in their hearts’. I guess what I’m trying to say is God is the songwriter of our songs in the night. (I hope ya’ll can make of this)
Thanks, Tammy! Your “real-life” example of praising God during the darkness is helping me “get” this. Reminds me of “Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns.
I believe we live in the “night” – in the darkness – when we do not have eyes to see. God is at work all around us – in nature, in our pet dog, in the bird at the window or the rock that beckoned us as we walked through the woods. Elihu is talking about this ever-presence as he chastizes Job. The “song” in this “night” we live in is the Holy Spirit giving us eyes to see, ears to hear the song in the night. When a song comes to mind and begins playing in our heart it is the Holy Spirit at work, giving us the words we need to hear for whatever has been rolling around inside,troubling us. It’s all right there, just on the other side of that thin veil, just beyond that glass we see through dimly. Connecting, knowing, quickening … and all the other words we use to try to define the undefinable are the Spirit at work singing God’s love songs into our dark night.
I’ve been listening to another “water hymn” tonight: Like a River Glorious.
Last verse and refrain
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
I’m praying that each of us will know His comfort and peace as our hearts are “stayed” on Him.
Wonderful testimonies, water songs, and contemplations.
Has anyone thought of doing something for someone for Valentine’s Day? (I had a friend who is silently reading this blog invite me out for lunch! 🙂 )
My plan is to send flowers to a divorcee and a loving valentine note to a widow — not too original, but that’s my plan!
How about you?
Hi Dee
My church is a host site for the Beth Moore Simulcast set for 4.24.10. I am going to puchase a ticket for a friend who lives on a fixed income and has little money left over each month for extras. Her oldest child is my “honorary son”. He is currently in Afghanistan serving with the Nat’l Guard. His tour concludes in July. Let’s all remember our military who will be spending their Valentine’s Day away from their loved ones.
Thanks, Dee, for suggesting this as part of our study. It ALWAYS helps to “get out of oneself” by reaching out to someone else. There’s a divorcee in my church that feels especially alone right now. I’m going to send her a card & box of candy! Makes me smile just to think about it.
I have been thinking along the lines of Valentine’s day as well. I am planning on paying for a marines wife’s meal that day. His wife will be visiting her mother, my best friend, for a few weeks while he is on a ship in Japan for 6 months. I may also give her and her mom, a divorced woman, a small gift. Thanks for drawing our attention to others.
Question #3 Last night I woke up and began thinking of problems and how to solve them. When this happens I rarely fall asleep for one to two hours. Last night however, I remembered the study and decided to ask God to give me a song in the night. I began making up a tune and fell asleep. When I woke I knew I had been dreaming and humming a song of love from my heavenly Father.
Valentine’s Day: Planning to do something at a nursing home wing or small assisted living –bringing cards/favors and throwing a small party. That’ll take care of both numbers 6 & 7 🙂 (and because Valentines Day is on a weekend, there will be fewer activities; not sure if I’ll do it Feb 13 or 14)
There are such great ideas — you are inspiring me to do better than I planned for Valentine’s Day!
I’m bringing up the rear here, I got behind the past few days! I have loved going back and reading through each and every comment from all of you. I am so completely amazed and inspired and humbled by all of your collective wisdom and insights and really deep, deep searching to know God and His ways!
Renee, your posting in reply to Dee really helped me get a better understanding of the meaning of songs in the night. You said that these songs were part of our on-going relationship with God, not just “hit and run”. That helps me alot. I am going to resolve to look for more of those songs during the day. I suspect they are all around me, just I get too busy to take notice.
I think that they may be a decision on our part, too. Like in Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas, in jail, around midnight, were singing hymns and praises to God. I think they made a decision to praise Him even in the midst of their bad circumstances. I know how many nights I lie awake and my thoughts literally race from one bad thing to another, and I could, instead of feeling self-pity, make a decision to quote Scripture to myself, to sing a hymn, or to focus on God and to praise Him.
For Valentine’s Day, I plan to send a card and letter to my sister, who lost her son, and to my niece, who lost her brother, last July.
February is also the month that her father died, two years ago.