Songs in the Night

Sometimes during the darkness and silence of a long night the clear, sweet song of a nightingale may be heard. If we could imitate this little bird and remember to sing songs of praise to God, this would help quiet our fears and bring us peace; for God “giveth songs in the night.”

In the Bible we find songs of joy and praise sung by many Bible characters. Paul and Silas were persecuted and cast into prison because they preached and healed in Christ’s name. Despite this persecution, they sang praises to God. “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”

In order to hear God’s messages to us, we must be spiritually awake. A loving heart, grateful for the blessings already received, will help us sing songs of praise. It’s well to remember past healings. Then we can see more easily that the present problem is only an opportunity to prove that we have the conviction, courage, and ability to stand until the law of God is demonstrated. A small boy, when asked what he said in his prayer, replied that he didn’t say anything; that he knew God was with him, so he just listened. Such receptivity brings the song in the night that heals, and heralds the coming of the dawn.

A woman, whose healing had not come quickly, asked what more she could do. The answer came that she was not singing loudly enough. She saw this as an opportunity to get closer to God, and she cheerfully replied, “I will sing every song in the Hymnal from beginning to end.” At first, the singing of these songs required discipline and honest effort, but, as she continued, her heart overflowed with joy and gratitude. By the singing of the last hymn she was completely healed.

Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health, “A louder song, sweeter than has ever before reached high heaven, now rises clearer and nearer to the great heart of Christ; for the accuser is not there, and Love sends forth her primal and everlasting strain.”