“The Watches of the Night” - Psalm 63 (Day 4)
For the last few days, the words of David captured in Psalm 63 have brought us comfort and insight on quenching our spiritual thirst, the power of worship, and the art of dependency. A common theme threaded through each verse is the power that comes through a mind centered on God. We want to delve deeper into this topic today and recognize that our minds shape our hearts, direct our eyes, and guide our steps. With that said, I want to provide space for you to pause and consider the thoughts and situations currently running through your mind. Then, pray and lift these concerns to God, asking Him to help you recall His faithfulness to you.
Before we reflect on today's passage, let's return to the opening of Psalm 63. May these encouraging words wash over you and set the tone for our meditation:
Psalm 63:1-5 says this:
1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
These words rose from the Judaean wilderness while David fled for his life. The distance from the familiarity and safety of his home more than likely felt farthest at night. The sting of separation screamed louder when darkness and twilight greeted him. With only his thoughts, David could have easily slipped into a bit of despair and depression. Yet, rather than getting lost in hopelessness, David focused on the one thing that brought him hope.
Psalm 63:6-8 says this:
6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
Take a moment to reflect on what you just read:
What brought David comfort at night? How did this encounter shape how he approached the morning?
What topics tend to dominate your thoughts when tossing and turning in bed? Are you worried and troubled over making ends meet, a strained relationship, challenging events, or something else? Do you find yourself wrestling with anxiety and fear? As these thoughts gain traction in our minds, our hearts are quick to follow. When the more profound questions of life creep in or when we encounter uncomfortable circumstances, the soul searches for an anchor to provide security.
All of these aches are our hearts searching for a place to rest. Whether we realize it or not, we long for God in those moments. The contentment and security we seek only come through an encounter with Christ and His life-changing grace. As David tossed and turned in bed, his thoughts drifted toward God - His faithfulness and protection - leading to a declaration of dependency. Reflecting on God's mighty works, he felt safe in the shadow of God's wing and that God's powerful hands held him up. In the dark of night, David clung to the security this provided. Likewise, remembering His faithfulness enables us to rest easily.
Take a moment and consider…Where do you need to shift your thoughts away from your circumstances and place them on God and His provision, presence, and peace?
Read today’s passage slowly one more time.
Psalm 63:6-8 says this:
6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
It's interesting that in an earlier Psalm, Psalm 30, David says that while weeping may go all night, that joy comes with the morning. But, of course, this promise isn't a quick fix. We won't place our heads on our pillows, and in a few hours, when we're wiping away our eye boogers, find that our troubling circumstances have magically changed or disappeared. The beauty of this promise goes much deeper than just "sleeping on it." Light will win over darkness. Sadness will get replaced with joy. Hope will spring up. Difficulty will give way to determination. This is all certain and true, but this shift happens on God's timeline, not ours.
Rarely do our circumstances change overnight. The same holds for our hearts, character, and faith. Transformation takes place over time, with joy coming to us gradually and not in one fell swoop. Keeping our eyes focused on Him allows little bits of light to break through the night's stronghold. With perseverance and determination, we fight against the darkness by keeping watch. We resist giving up. And with every inch of light that gains ground, we can greet each day with joy and fresh hope in Him, knowing we aren't alone.
So, as we begin to wrap up our time together, we want to provide you some space to respond to what we read and maybe to what God is trying to say to you through Psalm 63. First, take a moment to process this question…Think back to the circumstances occupying your thoughts. How can you trust that His joy comes in the morning even if your circumstances don’t immediately change?
Another question to consider is this…What would it look like for you to keep your eyes focused on God as you navigate these circumstances?
PRAYER
Father God,
Often, in the quiet of night, the worry, fear, and concern inside my heart is the loudest.
When I give these emotions attention, they attempt to take over and consume my mind.
Instead, may I capture my thoughts and bring them to You.
Allow me to display faith to take it a step further and set my mind on You and You alone. Amen.