Often when the sun goes down, so does the spirit of man. There is something about the absence of daylight that feeds an atmosphere of depression. There have been studies on how shortened daylight hours in the winter season bring on a more melancholy mood in some people.
Perhaps you have battled thoughts of discouragement once the sun has set. Nighttime brings unique struggles. Aside from the absence of illumination, we are more prone to discouragement when we are less busy. It is remarkable how the human mind can so easily drift to negative thoughts.
In Job 35:10, Elihu is perplexed that more people do not turn to God during these gloomy times. God our Maker is the One who “giveth songs in the night.”
What is the benefit of a night song?
- Worship Works – A big help in remaining controlled by the Holy Spirit is “speaking to yourselves” (Eph 5:19) musically with words that teach truth to the soul. As we make melody in our hearts to the Lord, God is magnified and we are sanctified. Capture those idle moments of sleeplessness for the glory of God. You will be better for it.
- Given by God – Ps 40:3 says that it is God who has put a new song into our mouths. Just as we experience God’s loving-kindness during our waking hours, the song God gives to us in the night is the mercy of the Lord (Ps 42:8). This night song pairs nicely with prayer. Talk a little and sing a little.
- Songs can Shove – If we fill our minds and hearts with the lyrics of the Holy Spirit, we will have no room for the slavish thoughts of discouragement that often attack our minds. This is likely what David meant by being surrounded by “songs of deliverance” (Ps 32:7).
Ps 149:5 encourages us to be boisterous on our beds. I can imagine some husband shocking his wife awake with a rousing chorus of “Victory in Jesus.” If you do not want to wake your spouse with your signing, you can always move to a different spot in the house where you can really cut loose. You can also sing the thoughts in your heart and mind just as you often pray silently.
There is no limit to what God can do with a night song. Besides encouraging your own heart, it may evangelize another person’s soul. I seem to remember a midnight duet by Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25). It was a moving testimony to the other prisoners and the jailer. These preachers were behind bars, but their song permeated the prison.
The next time you have a sleepless night, make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
