For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation –– Psalm 62:1.
Psalm 62:1 offers a counterpoint to the often-heard imagery of the soul “crying out.” While there are certainly seasons for fervent prayer and passionate lament, this verse invites us into a different, yet equally vital, posture — silent, expectant waiting.
The psalmist sings that his soul “waits in silence” with a deep, abiding trust. He speaks not of a passive, disengaged quietude, but of an active, intentional surrender. In a world saturated with noise and constant stimulation, the concept of a soul patiently waiting in silence can feel counter-cultural, even uncomfortable. Yet, it is precisely in this stillness that spiritual truths often unfold.
When our soul waits in silence, we move beyond the limitations of language and the incessant chatter of our minds. It’s a journey from doing to being in God’s presence. In this sacred space, we aren’t striving to articulate our needs or impress God with our piety; rather, we are simply present, open, and receptive.
Silence acts as a fertile ground for receptivity. Just as a still pond reflects the sky, a quiet soul is better able to perceive the subtle whispers of the Holy Spirit, the gentle promptings of divine guidance, and the peace that transcends understanding. It’s in the absence of our own clamor that we create room for God’s voice to be heard.
The psalmist’s conviction, “from him comes my salvation,” is the bedrock of this silent waiting. It’s an affirmation that our deliverance, our hope, and our very being are rooted in God. This trust liberates us from the anxiety of needing to control outcomes or orchestrate solutions. We can release our grip and allow God to work in his perfect timing and in her perfect way.
Imagine two beloved friends sitting together in comfortable silence, their bond so strong that words are unnecessary. I had a friend like that in high school. That community of silence still exists today. Similarly, silent waiting can deepen our intimacy with God. It moves beyond a transactional relationship to one of pure communion, where presence is its own reward.
To find ways to calm our soul and help it “wait” is to be in “the pipeline to heaven.” This isn’t merely about achieving a future reward, but about experiencing a foretaste of heaven’s peace and intimacy in the here and now. It’s about recognizing that salvation isn’t just a destination, but a continuous journey of drawing closer to the source of all life, in profound and sacred silence.
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