In the Silence, I Wait

First, we get quiet.

Then, in the silence, we wait.

It is for God, alone, we wait.

The adjective, רַבָּֽה׃ informs the verb for being moved and the adverb, "not," creating a sense that while we might be shaken, we shall not fall completely over. We may lose our balance a bit, but we regain it. Our rock and salvation are strong even when we are not.

"For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken."
- Psalm 62:1-2 ESV

God is described in contrast to the outer turmoil and oppression we face in the world. Against the character and activity of God, our attackers are immobilized and neutralized.

God is my rock and my salvation,

God is my stronghold.

God is my safety.

God is my honor.

God is my refuge.

God is my hope.

God is the fullness of steadfast love.

Everything else that is in opposition is terminal and , ultimately, impotent. The enemies of human souls will soon have their taunts silenced. Their arrows will fall to the earth. Their ability to kill and rob people of life will end at the grave. Life and love shall prevail over death and hatred.

Riches will fail.

We've lived long enough to know that power can be stripped bare and become as lowly as the fleeting breath of the ordinary soul.

Power, wealth, position, and prestige are rather frail.

The ability to buy favor will fade.

Riches do not last. Major companies, power-brokers of influence, and empires turn to dust daily and file papers declaring themselves bankrupt.

Trust in the power to extort will disappoint.

Vain hope will devastate.

Riches will fail.

Set not you hearts on them.

" Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them."
- Psalm 62:9-10 ESV

Let us return to where we began:

First, we get quiet.

Then, in the silence, we wait.

It is for God, alone, we wait.

Why must I be silent?

For one thing, I must be silent to hear. The cacophony of sounds in my head and heart are drowning out the whispers of God to my spirit. I need to shut up and listen patiently to the silence and in the silence.

To teach myself patience and allow God to teach me patience, I wait silently. I wait while God is silent, in the silence, with God. I am listening, observing, and settling my soul.

I am silent because I have nothing to say,. I have nothing to add to the subject. I am silent because any noise I make at this time will be a distraction just like the distractions around me. I am silent because anything I say right now will be either speculation or irrelevant. At worse, it could be completely false.

I am silent because I believe that God will speak and act and settle what needs to be settled.

I am silent because I am confident that God gets the last word no matter what I say or do and not matter what any enemy says or does.

I am silent and I will not be shaken.

For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.

How long will you assail me to crush me,
all of you together, *
as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?

They seek only to bring me down from my place of honor; *
lies are their chief delight.

They bless with their lips, *
but in their hearts they curse.

For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
truly, my hope is in him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.

In God is my safety and my honor; *
God is my strong rock and my refuge.

Put your trust in him always, O people, *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.

Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *
even those of low estate cannot be trusted.

On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *
all of them together.

Put no trust in extortion;
in robbery take no empty pride; *
though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.

God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *
that power belongs to God.

Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *
for you repay everyone according to his deeds.

- Psalm 62, NRSVU