AUG. 1, 2013
Snapping,
Snarling Thoughts
Read: Psalm
59
You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. —Psalm 59:16
Many
years ago, my father and I hiked through Big Bend in Texas. It’s a national
park now, but in those days it was rough country.
One
night we were rolling out our sleeping bags when a couple with a dog asked if
they could camp nearby. We welcomed their company and turned in for the night.
They tethered their dog to a stake beside their tent.
Some
hours later my father nudged me awake and turned his flashlight into the
darkness. Illuminated by the light, we saw pairs of yellow eyes peering out of
the
shadows. A pack of snapping and snarling coyotes were closing in on the
dog.
Although we chased them off and our neighbors put the dog in their tent,
we slept
fitfully.
I
think of that night when I read Psalm 59 and David’s twice-repeated imagery:
“At
evening they return, they growl like a dog” (vv.6,14). David was thinking
of Saul’s
army that was closing in on him. I think, however, of the thoughts
that return to
menace us. They come back at nightfall, snapping and snarling:
“You’re stupid.”
“You’re a failure.” “You’re useless.” “Who needs you?”
When
we have such thoughts, we can revel in God’s unconditional, unending love.
His
steady devotion is our refuge in the dark night of self-doubt and fear (v.16).
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You love me
unconditionally. Please chase away destructive thoughts
that keep returning to take away my confidence in You
and Your work in me. I want to rest in You and Your love.
Knowing that God loves us can dispel doubt.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
