Songs In The Night

About 2 weeks ago, George Beverly Shea died. Though he is most closely identified with the Billy Graham revival campaigns, in the 1940’s Mr. Shea sang for the radio program “Songs in the Night” which came out of Western Springs, Illinois. That program seems to have been named for its evening time slot, but probably also alluded to the phrase Songs in the Night or Songs of the Night found in the Bible. Depending where it is found in the Bible, it can have varied meaning.

 

In Isaiah 30:29 the Israelites are told that when God passes judgment on their enemies, they will have songs in the night as when you keep the festival. These are party songs, songs of celebration. However, usually the phrase in the Bible talks of dark times, times of trial and trouble.

 

In Psalm 77:4-6, David says that he is so troubled that he cannot even speak, but he will remember his song in the night and meditate with his heart. Psalm 63:6-7 tells us David will remember God on his bed and meditate in the night watches for God has been his help. Psalm 42:8 declares that the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime and God’s song will be with David in the night. Ah, now it is God’s song, not David’s song, and not our song. We are not alone. Job 35:10 asks “Where is God my maker, Who gives songs in the night?” He is there with us as we open ourselves to His reminders of His love and care. We do not have to create peaceful slumber through our own efforts. He will send the songs of comfort.

 

I have 5 CDS of instrumental hymns put out by Our Daily Bread several years ago. My favorite is Hymns of the Night. What kind of songs belong to the night? O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus; Wonderful Peace; Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus; The Love of God; Near to the Heart of God; and others in that vein.

 

To finish, here is the final refrain of one of Virginia Ely’s poems:

 

There’s rest for those who are weary;

There’s joy for those who are sad;

There’s peace for those who are troubled;

His presence makes lonely hearts glad.

But the marvelous gifts of His mercy

Which quicken the soul with delight

And lift from the heart every burden

Are the songs He sends in the night.