Caught in the Midnight Howl: Finding Peace Amidst the Noise
"And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city." - Psalms 59:14

Psalms 59:14 - "And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."
In Psalm 59:14, the psalmist paints a vivid picture of enemies returning at evening, making noise like a dog, and going round about the city. The King James Version (KJV) states, "And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city." This verse evokes a sense of helplessness and the persistent nature of adversities we might face in our lives. David, in writing this psalm, reveals not only the reality of his conflicts but also the larger theme of trust in God amidst turmoil.
The context of Psalm 59, attributed to David when Saul sent men to watch his house for him, reflects the kind of deep distress that many of us can relate to—moments when it seems the forces against us are relentless. Picture the imagery described: the enemies, like dogs, making a ruckus after dusk. In ancient times, dogs were often seen as unclean and irritating. They symbolize the noise of anxiety that can surround us, especially in the evenings when the day dies down, and shadows lengthen. It’s as if the quiet of night amplifies the very fears we often suppress during the day.
In our modern lives, we encounter 'the noise' in various forms. It could be the challenges we face at work, anxiety about our health, fractured relationships, or the weariness of unfulfilled dreams. The evening noise is not merely external; it can represent our internal battles of fear and doubt—the voices that stir up chaos in our minds at night when we seek peace but find instead a clamor of worry.
Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, we must reflect on the essence of David's cry. Rather than succumb to fear, he turns to God, asserting the need for divine intervention. Psalm 59 serves as a poignant reminder that while we might feel surrounded and outnumbered by our troubles, we have a refuge. When the dogs bark, and when sounds of despair fill our ears, our response needs to shift from fear to faith.
God does not shy away from our tensions but rather invites us to lay them before Him. It is in our vulnerability that we can experience His strength. The Bible is filled with invitations to turn our cries and concerns into prayers. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." In our tumultuous times, we are called to cast our burdens upon Him, especially when the night sounds like howling dogs.
Moreover, the noise itself can transform. The enemies that make noise are not merely to be fought off; they are allowed to awaken us. Often the loudest moments bring clarity. When the evening howls, it’s a call to assess our surroundings and the realities we face. Are we longing for closeness to Christ? Are we seeking solace in His presence? In that restlessness, God may be prompting deeper conversations in our prayer life, urging us to bring our concerns, our weariness, and our pain to His feet.
Let us then take the noise of the evening and transform it through prayer. Let us not ignore the sounds of concern but offer them back to the Lord, who can silence the barking in our hearts. In doing this, we reclaim peace, understanding, and the courage to face tomorrow. Each howl serves as a reminder not of fear, but of trust; not of distance from God, but of a call to draw near. Like David, may we find solace in the truth that we are never alone, even when the night seems most formidable.
So tonight, as you feel the echoes of worry, pause and bring those concerns to God. Let the noise of enemies become the whispers of prayer. Seek His peace that surpasses understanding, and trust that He will guard your heart and mind amidst the noise.
Psalms 59:14 Artwork

Psalms 59:14 - "And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."

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Psalms 59:4 - "They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold."

Psalms 119:59 - "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."

Psalms 59:6 - "They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."

Psalms 59:7 - "Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?"

Psalms 59:2 - "Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men."

Psalms 59:8 - "But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision."

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Psalms 135 : 14

Psalms 59:10 - "The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies."

Psalms 59:13 - "Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah."

Mark 14:59 - "But neither so did their witness agree together."

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Psalms 59:3 - "For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD."

Psalms 59:11 - "Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield."

Psalms 59:5 - "Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah."

Psalms 59:16 - "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble."

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Psalms 14:1 (KJVA) 1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

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Psalms 14:1 (KJVA) 1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalms 14:1 (KJVA) 1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.