IN THE SHADOW…WE SING

          The sixty-third psalm depicts David in a state of banishment in the wilderness of Judea, a dry and weary land (Ps.63:1).  Despite these difficult days, David’s faith in Jehovah God remained firm.  He writes, For Thou hast been my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy (Ps.63:7).

Life can be burdensome and even unbearable if we try to go it alone.  David speaks of reflecting on the omniscient care of God while on his make-shift bed in the dessert.  Naps can work wonders:  meditation reminds us that God provides mediation, which in itself is the ultimate medication.    

          On those days when a fog of sorrow and heartache seems to enshroud us, THIS PSALM OF DAVID CAN HELP TO RESTORE OUR SONG.  This Old Testament reference appears to be a precursor for a New Testament text (Acts 16:16ff) that portrays Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi.  Having been beaten with rods and bloodied and bruised, they found themselves incarcerated in the inner dungeon with their feet fastened in stocks.  Yet, the record reveals that Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God (Acts 16:25).  Like David, they were able to find the strength needed to sustain them because they recognized that they dwelt in the shadow of God’s wings.  What is particularly remarkable in both citations, David’s and that of Paul & Silas, is that THEY SANDY PRAISES FOR JOY.  They were not singing some self-centered, woe-is-me kind of song.  Neither were they singing some meaningless ditty to while away the time.  They were praising God - - singing with thankfulness in their hearts to the God (Col.3:16b).  When we learn to trust our loving Father we will be able to do the same - - to sing for joy, come what may.               

                                                                  Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ