Silence – Waiting and Listening in the Presence of God
Psalm 62 – Stillness Before the Rock of Our Salvation
Introduction
What do you do when you feel surrounded, powerless, and uncertain of what to do next? Our natural impulse is often to act…to fix, solve, escape, or defend. But Scripture invites us into a different posture: silence. Not passive resignation, but holy stillness. Not apathy, but attentive listening to the God who saves.
In Psalm 62, David is surrounded by enemies who curse him behind his back and wait for the perfect moment to strike. He looks like a crumbling wall, ready to fall. But instead of rushing into action, David gets still. He quiets his soul. He waits for God. And in doing so, he models a rhythm of discipleship many of us have forgotten: silence in the presence of our saving God.
Gospel Exposition: Psalm 62
David begins the psalm by declaring, “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation” (v. 1).
In the face of enemies and threats, David doesn’t escape, react, or retaliate. He waits in silence. His posture is one of dependent stillness, not because of inner strength, but because he knows who his God is.
He calls God his salvation, his rock, his fortress, and his refuge…not once, but repeatedly. But as the whole of Scripture testifies, these names point us beyond David’s immediate experience to their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
- Jesus is the true Rock—the One who accompanied Israel in the wilderness and now upholds all who trust in Him (1 Cor. 10:4).
- Jesus is our salvation—not just from earthly danger, but from sin, death, and the wrath of God. He is the greater Joshua, whose name literally means “Yahweh saves.”
- Jesus is our fortress—lifted up on the cross, He took on the flood of judgment so that we could be hidden in Him forever.
- Jesus is our refuge—pierced and mocked, He stood alone so that we might always have a place to hide in the Father’s love.
- Jesus is our glory—the One who was shamed in our place and who now crowns us with honor by uniting us to Himself.
- Jesus is our victory—He faced the fiercest enemy, death itself, and triumphed, so we can now say, “In Him, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 62 gives voice to a disciple’s experience of fear, injustice, and uncertainty, but it anchors us in the solid, saving work of Christ. Our enemies may surround us, our souls may tremble, but in Christ, we are secure. We wait not for vague rescue, but for a Redeemer who has already come and will come again to make all things right.
The Sacred Practice of Silence
This psalm teaches us that silence is not just a lack of noise, it is an act of faith. David doesn’t turn to entertainment or escape. He turns to God in stillness. His silence is filled with trust. He names the dangers around him but refuses to be defined by them.
Too often, we try to “figure things out” rather than listen. We act instead of abide. We assume noise means progress. But Psalm 62 calls us to practice the presence of God by getting still, slowing down, and making space to hear the Spirit whisper through the Word: “You are my child. I am your Rock. Wait for me.”
Silence is how we remember that salvation is from the Lord. It is how we rest in Christ instead of reacting in fear. It is how we learn to trust that the Father who did not spare His own Son will also graciously give us all things (Rom. 8:32).
Worshipping Jesus
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Worship Jesus as the Rock who cannot be shaken.
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Thank Him for being your salvation, fortress, and refuge.
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Ask the Spirit to train your heart to be still and listen when your soul wants to rush.
Reflection and Response
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When you feel overwhelmed, what do you tend to run to first: silence or solutions?
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Which truth about God in Psalm 62 do you most need to meditate on this week: His strength, love, justice, or presence?
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Where might the Lord be inviting you to stop striving and start listening?
A Prayer
Father, You are my rock and my salvation. Forgive me for the ways I rush ahead, trying to solve problems instead of waiting for You. Teach me to be silent before You. Help me trust that You are my refuge, that You will act in power and love. Thank You for Jesus, my true Rock and Rescuer. In Him, I will not be shaken. Amen.
Discipleship Challenge
This week, take 10 minutes each day to sit in silence before the Lord. Read Psalm 62 slowly. Reflect on one truth about God. Pour out your heart before Him. Resist the urge to fix or plan…just listen. Let silence become a sanctuary where the Spirit reminds you of your hope in Christ.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” – Psalm 62:5