“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.” (D.H.R. – american writer)
I think
of that history 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).
Knowing
that God loves us can dispel doubt. (RBC)
