We arrive in Jerusalem in the evening. After days of sandstorm, it’s amazing to see the crystal-clear lights of the Holy City, signaling that the storm has finally lifted. Now we can see the city of the Bible. As clear as a bell. Lovely and seemingly peaceful.
Tired from traveling the Holy Land for over a week, we head to bed. Restful sleep greets us. Peace and quiet await the night. Until about 4 or 5 AM, when it begins. Awakens us with a start. Sleep flees into the night sky, not to return that evening. What’s happened? Dogs. Mutts prowling the streets of Jerusalem. Scrawny canines bellow, howl, and whine at the top of their lungs. Muslim loudspeaker prayers start before dawn, and those dogs join in as an unwelcome off-key choir.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always loved dogs. Growing up, we had two cocker spaniels, both named Ginger. We were very creative with naming, as 5 of us were named John! My canine affection ended when I discovered that I’m highly allergic to dog dander. Adios, Ginger forever!
Here in Psalm 59, the psalmist, King David, seems to run into the same animals that we did–‘Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. There they are, bellowing with their mouths…’ (Ps. 59:6-7). Not just once, for here he goes again–‘Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill’ (vs.14-15). See what I mean? Dogs and more dogs!
King David calls his enemies mongrels who bark and howl all night long. Will they prevail? Win the day? Causing God’s own to utterly fail? Listen again–‘But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision. O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies’ (Ps. 59:8-10).
So, what does this have to do with us? Lots, when we think about it. As in things that bother us. That dog us. That barks and bites at your heels, so to speak. In my case, it’s hounding fears that snap at me, causing me to wonder when the next shoe will drop. And you? What puts you on edge? Dark emotional fog that refuses to lift. Sunless days prevail.
That’s exactly when we need to come to our Lord and start to believe Him. To push those ‘dogs’ out the door of our heart and take Him at His word for a change. To know that the Lord will never desert you. Not ever. Hold on tight to Him. And His promises. To His Word. Keep repeating them. Just like what King David says–‘My God in his steadfast love will meet me…’ (Ps. 59:10). Not fierce canine fangs, but the faithful love of our God, which stays right next to us. He promises. Pretty good, huh?
Wait! Have those dogs shut their traps? Could be!
O Lord Jesus, how I need your help every day. Thank you for never leaving me. Amen.
