Psalm 42:8 By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

This is a beautiful expression of a continuous relationship with God. We know that God Himself never sleeps, as Psalm 121:4 assures us, but that expresses it on a national level, in terms of Israel as a nation. This is on a very personal level. Everyone has moments of feeling far from God, but as has been said, if that’s the case, guess who moved? This speaks explicitly of daytime and nighttime, and the language is eloquent. In speaking of the song of the Lord, it points up the strong emotional connection we have with music. Of course, when the Psalmist was writing this, there were no mechanical ways of reproducing music, so this is a matter of God’s song in our heart. We have so much music available to us that it can easily drown out the song of the Lord! This Psalm in general indicates the Psalmist was dealing with depression and/or discouragement, and here he is reminding himself that God hasn’t changed and doesn’t change. We sometimes need to do the same! Stating, declaring, our faith can have remarkable power to change things. The pastor of a US Senate candidate has recently said some things that I wouldn’t want to come near with a 20 foot pole, much less a 10 foot one! Expressing our faith verbally can refresh and strengthen that faith within us, as we hear ourselves say things that are true. As Paul pointed out, faith comes by hearing. (Romans 10:17) The Psalmist is reminding himself of how he has experienced God’s faithfulness, His intimate love and concern, and we should do the same.

This verse really resonated with me, because I often wake up with a song in my head/heart. Music has always been an integral part of my life, but I’m thankful never to have been particularly entranced by “pop” music, greatly preferring classical and Christian music. One particular worship chorus has long been my personal testimony: “You are the words and the music; You are the song that I sing. You are the melody, You are the harmony; praises to You I will bring. You are the mighty God, You are the Prince of peace, You are the King of all kings. Now I return to You the song that You give to me; You are the song that I sing.” God’s grace to me has often been musical! The challenge to me is to let His music flow through me consistently, and not just occasionally. Looking at that sentence, it would be equally true if I replace “music” with “Spirit!” I’m not to quibble with how He wants to flow through me, but simply let Him do it, 24/7/365.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your protection, guidance, and presence in the Gospel Festa yesterday. Thank You for the many connections we were able to renew. Thank You for the rain, and for the thunder that woke me this morning! We have been very low on precipitation the past few months, and this is welcome indeed. I pray that the rain of Your Spirit would likewise fall, washing away the lies of the enemy and bringing many to repentance and faith, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!