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 a couple with a dog asked if they could camp nearby.

We welcomed them, but in the middle of the night, 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, 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: “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).

By: David H. Roper

To Pray About . . .

Dear Lord, please chase away destructive thoughts that keep returning to take away my confidence in You and Your work in me.