Article July 30, 1932 ISSUE

"Songs in the night"

INA LYON C. BUSBY

Visiting in the country where the mocking bird frequently gives out a beautiful song in the night, a student of Christian Science was reminded of Elihu's words to Job, "But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night." Sometimes we have an enlarged sense of our troubles in the night, when things may look worse than they do in the light of day; but when we obey Mrs. Eddy's injunction to "rejoice always in ever-present Love" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 377 ) these "songs in the night" bring thought close to God and shut out of our consciousness whatever would oppress.

In times of mental darkness, when fear, grief, or discouragement seems to envelop us, a song in the heart carries thought triumphantly over the sea of terror. The one who can be grateful for blessings received even when trials are numerous has the spirit of faith and confidence in good, which uplifts spiritually and awakens him to hear the "songs in the night."

To human sense it may not always be easy to remain unaffrighted, to stand untempted by despair. But this shows that there is work to be done, a mountain to be climbed. Human experience is a problem to be rightly solved by applying to its every detail the laws of divine Mind. Things as they appear are far from perfect, and to bring daily living to perfection means that divine Mind must displace every false belief with the truth of being.

Here is where Christian Science brings to human thought "songs in the night"—indeed, songs at all times, whether the way for the moment be dark or bright. Its fundamental teaching that God is good, and that He is the only power and presence, brings assurance to the darkest hour. We are certain that, no matter what the material appearance may be, the trouble has nothing in reality to sustain it, and that the power of divine Love is operating to deliver us.

When we think we have heard no song, let us ask ourselves whether we have really listened for it. Have we counted our blessings, rehearsed our gratitude, been alert to making others happy, though momentarily unhappy ourselves? Do we know that God is good, that good deeds and faith are rewarded, that prayer is answered? Have we really asked God to help us, expecting help? If we have done so, our dark hours have been cheered; and when we know enough of God's power and presence, and work to gain a better understanding of the one Mind, the dark hours will be converted into bright and sunny ones.

Christian Science makes the song in our heart certain and dependable. Its unfolding of the law of God, as Christ Jesus taught and lived it, reveals man in God's likeness to be spiritual, harmonious, eternal, immortal; and it uncovers evil, matter, mortality, as counterfeits, to be denied and banished from thought.

There is no time when one may not hear these "songs in the night," and in the day, too, if one puts into practice what one knows of divine Love. One may at times be sorely tempted to become discouraged, fearful, or sorrowful, even as before he first heard the "songs in the night;" but if he listens he can always hear the voice of Truth, God, assuring him that good is supreme. And good triumphs in his experience as he leaves self and fear out of thought and finds God and His idea. In Mrs. Eddy's poem "Christ and Christmas" are these inspiring words:

"No blight, no broken wing, no moan,
Truth's fane can dim;
Eternal swells Christ's music-tone,
In heaven's hymn."

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No Fluctuation in Truth
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