Snarling Dogs

 

 

“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.” Psalm 59:16(NIV)

Singing of God’s strength, singing of God’s love!  What a wonderful thing to do on a beautiful day, when birds are singing, the sun is shining, and life is good.

These were not David’s circumstances when he wrote Psalm 59. Outside were men sent by Saul to kill him. Verse 14 describes the men as “snarling like dogs”.   

In spite of threatening circumstances, David chose to sing of God’s strength and of His love. He chose that occasion to remember that God was his refuge and his strength.

Have you ever gone to bed worrying about the next day’s problems? Have those troubling thoughts ever seemed like a pack of snarling dogs?

David’s solution was to remember who God is and to sing praises to Him. Perhaps the songs of praise drowned out the snarls of the dogs. Two things were true. Snarling dogs were outside. God is more powerful than snarling dogs.  Two facts. Which truth to focus on?

In today’s world, Christian music is available 24 hours per day. When I am worried, I turn on my favorite Christian station and set the volume on low. I fall asleep thinking about the words of praise songs. It’s a wonderful alternative to thinking about “snarling dogs” all night long.

Praise you, Lord God. You are strong. Your love never fails. You are my refuge in times of trouble.