People the world over spend their nights in various ways, including those who earn their living by working at night. For many, night means sleep and rest. For others, troubles and sorrows seem to “plague” them more at night rather than during the day. And still for others, the night is is a great blessing that can be enjoyed because it provides an opportunity for “songs in the night.” Nights have far less distractions and more privacy than days. Hence, one can spend more “quality time” in God’s presence at night for reflection, prayer, and meditation.
In rebuking Job for speaking rashly about his “torments,” Elihu (one of Job’s friends) said, “Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; they call for help because of the arm of the mighty. But none says, “Where is God my Maker who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?” (Job 35:9-11). Note: “God my Maker” is the giver of songs in the night.” There is a wonderful thought in these words, “songs in the night,” as we will see. Perhaps the problem with some of us is that we may be looking hither, thither, and yon, instead of looking to God who alone can give us “songs in the night.” Job said he knew that his Redeemer lives, God was his Maker, and his Maker “gives songs in the night.” It is apparent that Job knew about the “night seasons.”
Irrespective of the troubles we face, whether during the day or at night, it behoves us to keep our eyes on the Lord and maintain our trust and hope in Him, and our expectations from Him. He promised, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). What a blessed assurance we have because of our faith in God. We can confidently sing our songs in the night by faith, singing to the God we know, love and worship.
It is no secret that “spiritual songs” can revive us and help us to cope and even overcome the vicissitudes of life, and build confidence in the Almighty. Some of God’s people have testified on this subject. In his “longing for God,” the psalmist writes, “By day the LORD commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8). It is just like God to prepare us for the night watch, at which time we can “recap” the past day and be joyfully refreshed in His presence. King David said, “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God” (Psalm 40:3). The calm and stillness of the night can help to “dismiss” our cares, relieve our stress, and allow God our Maker to give us some songs in the night.
Our sovereign God knows why he created days and nights for us. “The world has its night. It seems necessary that it should have one. The sun shines the day, and men go out to their labors; but they grow weary and nightfall comes, like a sweet blessing from heaven. The darkness draws the curtains, and shuts out the light, which might prevent our eyes from slumber; while the sweet, calm stillness of the night permits us to rest on our beds, and there forget for a while our cares, until the morning sun appears, and an angel puts his hand on the curtain, and draws it open once gain, touches our eyelids, and commands us to rise, and proceed to the labors of the day. Night is one of the greatest blessings men and women enjoy; we have many reasons to give God thanks for it” (C H Spurgeon 1834-1892). Isn’t this an inspiring comment?
Our songs in the night encompasses the day that has ended, for which we give God thanks for His goodness and mercies. Then there is the night itself when we pause for a “quiet time” of meditation in God’s presence. David said this about God, “When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy” (Psalm 63:6,7). David also said, “I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me “ (Psalm 16:7). We can clearly see that night meant a lot to David. Then tomorrow lies just ahead with its unknown issues and uncertainties. These are great reasons to sing songs in the night. Jesus may come during the night watch as well as tomorrow. No one knows exactly when. However, we do know it is as certain as night follows day. Singing songs in the night will cheer us on and help to prepare us for “what lies ahead.”
On those occasions when days seem dreary and nights seem dark and long, you can brighten up the night with a song. Just remember that God loves you and He will do the right thing. It won’t be long when the sun will shine again. Just take courage and be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. While incarcerated, at midnight Paul and Silas, having been beaten, and thrown into prison, “were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25). This indeed was a great testimony for God and led to the conversion of the Jailer and his household. Nights can have tremendous opportunities for us, depending on how we choose to spend them. Why not try and enjoy “singing some songs in the night?”