on silence

Isn't it fascinating how many emotions can be evoked by silence?

There is the welcome silence that comes when the kids are tucked in after a boisterous day.

There is the comfortable silence that comes on a stretch of long road, each in his own thoughts.

There is the uninhibited silence that comes when taking in the sprawling grandeur of creation.

There is the lingering silence that comes when one waits impatiently upon the Lord.

There is the anguishing silence that comes as punishment for an offense.

There is the telling silence that comes when the hesitation lasts just a millisecond too long.

There is the peaceful silence that comes when one stops to just listen.

There is the painful silence when one remains behind.

*****


1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name
for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm 138, ESV