SONGS IN THE NIGHT

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

SEPTEMBER 1

 

Job 35:10

But none saith, Where is God my maker,

who giveth songs in the night;

 
The presence of God, and the light of his countenance, make the Christian’s day.
 
His absence makes our night.
 
But this figure is often employed to represent afflictions.
 
Losses, crosses, sickness, poverty, old age, death, these constitute a very gloomy night.
 
They are dark, cold, and tedious.
 
But in the gloomiest night the Lord can make happy, 

his presence will make us sing. “He giveth sings in the night.”
 
He tunes the heart by the light of joy and grace.
 
He furnishes matter for praise.
 
He enables us to sing to the wonder and surprise of may.
 
So did Paul and Silas at Philippi; the prophet Habakkuk, 

in prospect of famine; and so did many martyrs in their dungeons.
 
Many have sung for joy in poverty, in sickness, and in death.
 
Christian, thy God can make thee joyful in the gloomiest circumstances, and

 give a song in the dreariest night.
 
Walk closely with him.
 
His presence will disperse gloom, and give joy, peace, and thankfulness;

 his love will make thee rejoice in his salvation.
 
He loves to see his people happy, he is pleased to hear them sing; and 

  those who walk with him, will joy and rejoice in him, both here and hereafter.
 

Thou giver of songs in the night,

Of joy in the darkest distress,

I sigh to be fill’d with the light.

I long for a glimpse of thy face

 
James Smith