A key to healthy living, emotionally and spiritually: Find your words
By Dean Collins
Some have interpreted Paul Simon’s song “The Sound Of Silence” as a description of men’s alienation from each other. There is a struggle with communication as the poet talks to the darkness but can’t verbalize his words to another.
We have experienced those moments when struggles and pain bring isolation and lock our vocal cords. We turn to the other side of the bed unable to communicate the smallest cry for help, even to the one we love the most.
Sometimes in our agony we speak to the silence while a living God hears our words and waits for an invitation to join us and help us in our time of need. The psalmist turns from his silence and beckons the God of the universe to break his silence and respond to his need: “Be not silent, O God of my praise! For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues.”
Opposition and scorn
The pages of many psalms and the stories of many of God’s faithful servants include opposition and scorn. The enemy hates every act of loyalty to our Father in Heaven. And in this life, those focused on themselves hate it when Christ followers pursue God’s will and not simply pleasure. Psalm 109 pleads that God correct this problem but adds that the psalmist will declare praise to God no matter how long God appears to be silent.
And it is an issue of appearances. We never see or know the whole situation of another’s journey or struggles. And if that is true on this side of eternity, how much more so when it comes to God’s view. Yes, at street level and in our lives, we see the opposition and struggle in front of us. But we cannot see the noise of the battle above us when we’re engulfed by the silence of our local battle.
Say so!
But the Scripture gives us views of days that are not like that. In Psalm 107, the psalmist records many times the Lord responded to the children of Israel, delivering them and providing for their needs. And with each deliverance, the psalm instructs the reader to “say so.” When God responds to our needs, we are not to sit in silent gratitude. We are to speak out and declare praise to God and tell others what God has accomplished. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!”
I’m a bit of an expert on this issue of remaining silent. It is my personality to extrovert my ideas and introvert my feelings. And confession is good for the soul. But so is sharing your pain with others. Silence turns to secrets, and secrets will crush you. The psalmist confirms the will of the Lord. It is better for us, our relationship with others, and our relationship with God when we even faintly open up and share our pain. When we break the silence, God breaks through with healing and comfort. And when he does, then “Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so.” It gives glory to God and peace to the soul.
Lord, we are sometimes silent in our struggles but are grateful that you see and hear us in our pain. We also regretfully sit silent even when you have blessed us and saved us. Forgive us for our failure to declare praise and express gratitude to you and in front of others. With the psalmist we declare that you have redeemed us from much trouble.You have provided for our needs. You have quieted many storms. Your love and faithfulness are new every morning, and we thank you and will tell someone today! Amen
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 107:2, 8, 15, 21-22, 28-30-32, 42-43; 109:1-5, 26-31 ESV
Photo by Ole_CNX at istockphoto.com
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