WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
Psalms 63:6-8 NKJV
6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
7 Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
8 My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.
David wrote this psalm when he was in the wilderness of Judah. He was still having to run for his life from King Saul. This would not be considered the best of circumstances, but this psalm paints a different picture. In the middle of a difficult situation David is looking to God. We can see David’s heart for God and his trust in God.
The night can be difficult, particularly when a person is in the middle of a rough stretch. During the night, when things get quiet, is when thoughts can be troubling. When people express trouble sleeping, troubling thoughts are often the culprit. But David gives us a different approach to the night.
“When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.” David is intentionally shifting his thoughts to God. Choosing to remember God and His goodness. David had declared in verse three that God’s lovingkindness is better than life. David is choosing to remember the goodness of God as opposed to questioning God. David also shows no anger toward God. This would indicate that his meditation of God is good. So, as opposed to tormenting thoughts stealing his sleep, David is thinking good thoughts about God. One of the good thoughts is that God has been his help, and David is rejoicing in God’s protection.
Looking at the way David treated King Saul, it becomes evident that David was trusting God to protect him. David had several opportunities to kill Saul and thus end having to run for his life. In each case, David passed and would not harm Saul. David trusted the God who loved him and called him and upheld him. And at night David thought good thoughts about his good God.
APPLICATION
We know David did not have any electronic distractions at night. He most likely went to bed in relative quiet. So, these were the times David chose to focus on God.
We have many things that can hijack our thoughts, especially at night. Computers, tablets, TVs, and phones can give us a sense of escape, but eventually, we are left with our thoughts. I have found that the scriptures are a great read before bed. And when I follow that practice, it’s easier to think about God and His word. God’s Word gives us a place to go if we wake up in the night with troubling thoughts. The psalms are always a great go-to at night, and the gospels help me focus my thoughts on Jesus.
What we think on can affect us. We can think on God, His power, and His goodness as we think on His word. And why not think about Him? He is our help and the One who upholds us. It is right for us to follow close to Him.
PRAYER
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14