READ Psalm 59:14–17. 14 They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. 15 They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. 16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. 17 You are my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
YOU CAN SNARL—I WILL SING. In contrast to the snarling, howling dogs is the singing, praising psalmist. Though still under attack (the dogs are still howling), he praises God in his heart for being his fortress and refuge. “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee,” is a line from Augustus Toplady’s famous hymn. Jesus is the place we run to when under any kind of attack, and we can hide in him for safety. The psalmist calls God “my God on whom I can rely” and, literally, “my unconditional love” (Psalm 144:2). Christians know that love must be unconditional, not based on our worthiness, but because Jesus was “cleft,” split apart, to make a hiding place for us.
Prayer: Lord, teach me how to regularly sing about your love. That will mean not just thinking about you but rejoicing in you and to you under my breath, in my thoughts, throughout the day. Help me do this, my loving God. Amen.