[DEVOTIONAL] Awake, O Harp and Lyre!

Psalm 108:2 – “Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!”

Sound the trumpets! Gather the people! A new day is dawning. The time is now. Let’s wake up.

Written by R.C. of Gospel Community Church, Lynchburg, VA.

David’s call in Psalm 108:2 stirs us to action. In past psalms, David cried out in desperation—in Psalm 57 he was hunted, in Psalm 60 he was defeated. But now, in Psalm 108, he is filled with hope, anticipating a coming victory in which the Lord will defeat Israel’s enemies and draw the nations to Himself (v. 8). The whole psalm is a battle plea for victory, directed to the Commanding Officer of Heaven’s armies: “Give us victory! Answer, so that those whom you love may be rescued” (v. 6).

The dawn is a symbol of God’s fresh mercies, a new beginning. In Old Testament times, instruments like the harp and lyre were used to call people together, to mark significant moments, and to celebrate or give thanks. David’s use of music here isn’t just background noise; it’s an intentional call for God’s people to prepare their hearts. He is signaling a new venture, a new opportunity to witness the Lord’s power and to walk in step with His purposes.

But preparing for the dawn means acting in the darkness.

The one who wakes up the dawn has made preparations before the light breaks—strapping on boots, packing for the journey, positioning themselves at the overlook, and watching in anticipation. This person is ready when the sun rises, eager to see the first glow on the horizon, knowing with full hope that it will cast its warm, golden light over everything it touches.

For those of us who know Jesus as Lord, we no longer walk in darkness. Christ has illuminated our path, bringing life where there was death, and hope where there was despair.

As Matthew 4:16 says, “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” Through Jesus, we are transformed—made into new creations that He is continually renewing in His image. Each day is a new opportunity to wake up to what God is stirring in our lives and in the world around us.

And yet, part of this renewal is about inviting those who have yet to experience the light. We have been called to bring others to the mountaintop, to let them see the glory of the King.

This is our invitation—a divine partnership to join with God in His work, making His light known in the world.

Reflection

• Ask God to wake you up to where He is at work around you. Take some time to celebrate and give thanks for how He has drawn you into a relationship with Him and where He is moving in your life now.

• What areas of your life need awakening? Are there parts of your heart or mind that you want to invite God to renew?

• Where today is the Lord inviting you to see the new things He is doing? Consider how you might join Him in this work.

• Spend some time interceding for those who have not yet seen the light of Christ, so that they may be drawn to Him and experience His love.