Too. Many. Words.

Psalm 62

            While our son was in school one common remark from almost every teacher went like this: ‘A pleasure to have in class. Spends too much time talking.’ Our son was a great student, and still loves to talk! (Love you, son!)

            The New English Translation of the phrase “For God alone I patiently wait…” includes this note:  Heb “only for God [is] there silence [to] my soul.”[1] That phrase intrigues me. What if, instead of pouring out word after word, phrase after phrase, we learned to sit silently in the presence of God?

            Years ago in my seminary training I was introduced to the writings of Richard Foster. These words I read so many years ago still linger in my mind:

To still the activity of the flesh so that the activity of the Holy Spirit dominates the way we live will affect and inform public worship. Sometimes it will take the form of absolute silence. Certainly it is more fitting to come in reverential silence and awe before the Holy One of eternity than to rush into his Presence with hearts and minds askew and tongues full of words.[2]

            In my journey through the Psalms I often find the words I need to express my inner turmoil to God. I wonder, though, if more often than not, God wants me to be silent instead of full of words. Like a student in a classroom who may miss important information from the teacher/professor because of his/her many words (even those whispered conversations), perhaps I’ve missed what God was truly up to.

            David, to whom the Psalm is ascribed, had time for silence. Years as a shepherd, alone with his father’s sheep. Years spent in the wilderness evading the death wish of his father-in-law. Time spent fleeing from his son, Absalom, who sought to seize the kingdom for himself.

            These past few months of ‘social distancing’ should have provided ample time for silence. However, I have found other distractions. The meetings that used to fill my days and nights were easily replaced by social media feeds and online conversations.

            Would you think me strange if I wished for more silence? Too. Many. Words.

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[1] https://netbible.org/bible/Psalms+62; accessed on 6/8/20.

[2] Foster, Richard J.. Celebration of Discipline: The Path To Spiritual Growth (p. 167). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.