Thoughts for the Day

My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Are you grumpy and miserable in the morning, or joyful and happy? Do others avoid you until you've had your first cup of tea or coffee, or keep away because you are too cheerful? In the verses from Psalm 57 above, David greets the dawn with music and song, to praise God for all that he has done for him. Reading these words aloud fills us with joy - the joy at someone's unadulterated pleasure in God's goodness.

However, behind these words there is a different story. The psalm actually starts with this:

'Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;'

and then this:

'I lie down among lions
that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongues sharp swords.'

David is alone, probably in the cave of Adullam. King Saul seeks to kill him, but he has escaped. He thinks of the king and his army as ravening wolves. Only God can save him, so he appeals to Him for mercy. God answers by sending his supporters to join him, and so it is that in the morning he praises God with a joyful heart. Can we lift our souls to God with such joy each morning?

Lord God,
I lift my soul to You today.
In joyful praise I remember Your goodness
to me and all Your people.
When I am brought low
You revive my spirit.
Your steadfast love never fails
and Your promises are true.
May my actions this day
be worthy of Your constant love,
and my praise be acceptable.
Amen.