November 1, 2025

Psalm 63:5–7

Nighttime Praise

I will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Dear Readers,

today's stamp (Germany, 2009) depicts a beautiful evening sky. I am convinced that all my readers, no matter where they live, have seen such an evening sky once and enjoyed it! King David and the Apostle Paul also saw such magnificent cloud formations in the evening sky. 

It is easy to praise the Creator of heaven and earth when you can live in peace and enjoy the beauty of nature. But what about when everything is dark? Who still sings when their heart is troubled due to worries and fears? David sang the nighttime praise from Psalm 63 when he was fleeing from King Saul. Saul hated David and wanted to kill him. David had to hide in the wilderness of Judah to escape his pursuers. Yet even on those nights, he was able to praise God.

We hear of another nighttime act of praise from the apostle Paul and his co-worker Silas (Acts 16:23-24). The two missionaries are arrested on false charges, tortured, and thrown into prison. They spend the night in darkness; their feet bound in a wooden block. 

Even in the darkest circumstances, praise becomes a powerful act of faith. When the world around us seems uncertain and fear threatens to overwhelm, choosing to worship lifts our focus from our troubles to the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. Such praise is not dependent on our situation, but on who God is—our constant help and shelter. What do the two men of God do? They don't complain, but instead they worship God:

„About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.“

This act of praise opens heaven and the prison doors. God intervenes. He grants the prisoners and the jailer miracles.

The German theologian and hymn writer Jochen Klepper (1903–1942) ends his Christmas carol "Look not at what you yourself are" with the words: "You shall not complain but praise!" The carol focuses our attention on the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Savior and Redeemer from all guilt and sin. When we look at Jesus on the cross of Calvary, we can praise God, even in the darkest of nights. He opened heaven for us. He grants miracles, even today!

Thank you for visiting me and listening to me. May our God bless you in spirit, soul, and body. May He grant you a heart full of praise, even in the darkest of nights. I look forward to seeing you at the next short sermon on November 15, 2025.