“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.”

— Psalm 5:11

I’m one of those strange people that sings in public. More accurately, I hum in public, and sing in public places when they are empty.

Or at least, when I think they’re empty.

A couple of days ago I bumped into someone at the supermarket doing the same thing and gave each other that look that says, “this never happens! Right?”

I sing when I’m happy, I sing when I’m down, and usually I sing worship songs or passages from the Bible. There is something about worshipping wherever I go that feels like I’m literally living on a prayer, or maybe living one out.

I’ve found that when we worship, especially in the hard times, it helps those around us to do the same. It might feel embarrassing, and perhaps I don’t have the best voice in the world, but it is earnest and it glorifies God.

Why not take some time today after this devotional, or once you’ve read the Bible, to sing to the Lord. You don’t need an instrument, or others around you. Simply sing out to the Lord.

If allow yourself just a moment, I bet you’ll find yourself doing it more.

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

Cover me in your protection.Protect me from the enemy,Protect me from myself,

As I take refuge in you,Lead me to worship you,Stir up rejoicing in my heart,and as I sing, raise up other voices around me.

Let them ever sing for joy,that we who love your name may exult in you.

Amen

Thanks for joining me for today’s dusk devotional.

I’ll see you again tomorrow at dawn.

Today’s Readings

Whether you’re ready to sit and read these now, or you think later might be a better fit, I recommend looking through your plan for the day now. If you follow this Bible reading plan, you’ll finish the whole Bible by the end of the year. We’re starting this morning with just 26 verses, across four chapters of the Bible. When will you sit down to read or listen to them?

2 John 1:9-13

Psalm 5

Psalm 6

Egypt fathered Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came), and Caphtorim.

Canaan fathered Sidon his firstborn and Heth, and the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites.

1 Chronicles 1:11-161

Recommended Media to End Your Day

One of the most common new year’s resolutions seems to be to read more. I stand wholeheartedly behind that, but how does one go about putting it into practice? Thomas S. Kidd gives some great advice in his latest newsletter.

https://thomaskidd.substack.com/p/how-to-read-more-in-2025?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=2222970&post_id=153981507&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=reqcz&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Jonathon M. Seidl speaks to those disaffected by the new year, which to some extent probably describes us all. How do we press on when doing so feels lethargic?

https://jonseidl.substack.com/p/if-youre-limping-into-2025?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=2401323&post_id=153782330&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=reqcz&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Cong Thanh recently took a spur of the moment trip to an island he’s always admired from afar, only to randomly meet someone else there for exactly the same reason. This is that story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp2QKxxQ3rc

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com