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When someone offends you and when you are hurt by the actions of others – read Psalm 62.
If you are innocent and living your life at work, at church, at a family gathering, or on social media, sometimes you will be betrayed. What will you do?
Again, read Psalm 62. This Psalm has great advice for dealing with gossip, slander, insult, and injury.
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation (v. 1, ESV).
Also…
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him (v. 5).
When I’m angry, “waiting in silence” is the last thing that I want to do. My first line of defense is a witty retort – something with sarcastic daggers – that belittles them but justifies me.
My best responses have plausible deniability – I can say, “Uh, I was just joking.”
Saying nothing is difficult for me. How about you? I often win at “wit and repartee” but Psalm 62 emphasizes that God’s victory doesn’t need my help.
The “waiting in silence” is not co-dependence or saying nothing to confront abuse or injustice. Psalm 62 is about withholding anger and unthoughtful comments. The Psalm teaches waiting for God and avoiding rash statements.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; God is my fortress; I will never be shaken (v. 2).
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (v. 8).
Psalm 62 describes our enemies:
Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts, they curse (v. 4).
Yep, sounds like a few people that I know (not you though).
Psalm 62 gives perspective…
Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath (v. 9).
The Psalm concludes:
One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love, and, You reward everyone according to what they have done (vv. 11-12).
When another person gives offense, stay silent, don’t respond quickly, or seek vengeance – remember, “With you, Lord, is unfailing love!”
When those of power attack the defenseless, when protest is outlawed or seemingly ineffective – remember, “Power belongs to God and You reward everyone according to what they have done.”
Psalm 62 teaches the power and love of God. The thing that interrupts God from working out His love, forgiveness, and justice – can be our big mouths!
This is the reason that we need to wait in silence!