King David was no stranger to danger. He faced threats (internal and external), sickness, and war.
One of the reasons so many people love his psalms is because they are so honest. He demonstrates a wide range of emotions and thoughts while speaking to (or talking about) God, and while going through his various difficulties.
His psalms also give us some very practical strategies about how to nurture that relationship with God through the ups and downs of life.
One of them is found in Psalm 63. He is in the desert. He is facing enemies and possible attack. So what does he do in the middle of the night? He says: “my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night…” (verses 5-6, ESV).
I can picture him tossing and turning—and then pausing. He thinks about his upcoming battles and ongoing problems. He wonders what to do. He settles himself. And then he starts to sing!
Maybe that would be helpful for you to do as well.
Think of a railroad switch which directs a train from one track to another. Your doom-and-gloom thoughts are like a train which is gaining more and more momentum. Singing hymns or praise songs when we are worried or anxious can re-direct our thoughts to a better track.
Sure, you can even do it in the middle of the night just like David. (If there’s someone else in the room just be sure to not wake them!) Or you can do it throughout your day.
Fight pessimism with praise.
“my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night…”
Notes:
–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on May 22, 2023.
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