Our scripture this morning is Psalms 59:16-17 (NIV).
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
David composed this psalm while on the run from King Saul, whom he had been anointed to replace, and who was also his father-in-law. He laments the evil raised against him, but even during this difficult time, he sings praise to the Lord for His love and protection.
David knew the power of prayer and was in contact with God morning and night. This pattern of thanking God when we get up and when we lie down can help us begin and end in peace, no matter what we have encountered during our day.
Below is an anonymous morning prayer I came across. It echoes David’s bold confidence in the Lord and reminds us that we can call on Him in every situation. May we all wake with joy and sleep in peace through His love and protection.
I sing as I arise today! I call on my Creator’s might: The will of God to be my guide, the eye of God to be my sight. The word of God to be my speech, the hand of God to be my stay, the shield of God to be my strength, the path of God to be my way. Amen.
