Week 23: Silent praise in midlife

A Meditation on Psalm 65 and God's Overwhelming Goodness

Author's Note: Over the past several posts, we have been covering some difficult topics and reading through some psalms that discuss struggles, sin, and judgment. My spirit needed some joy! So this week, we are skipping ahead to Psalm 65 to remind ourselves of God's faithful presence, power, and provision in our lives. I was anticipating that this psalm would have me singing a loud song of praise! But as you will see, that wasn't the case...

If you have ever climbed a steep trail to a mountaintop vista or hiked deep into the woods in search of a hidden waterfall, then you know the feeling of awe at the first sighting of your objective. There is a sudden hush of reverence that descends as you take in the beauty of God's creation. No words are needed because no words are adequate: silence is the only appropriate response.

The Silent Praise of David

King David understood this quiet reverence. He began the first verse of Psalm 65 with these words: "There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion..." (NASB). In the original Hebrew, these words literally say, "To You, praise is silence" (Wiersbe, 2009). Think about that for just a moment...

To You, praise is silence

In our contemporary culture, we often equate praise with a group of believers lifting their voices together in song. The experience of silence in daily life is rare. The idea of silent praise is surprising. How can we praise without using our voices and words? Silent praise seems like a contradiction in terms.

However, this concept appears in other places in scripture. In Exodus 14, the Israelites had just escaped Egypt. God directed them to camp where they could easily be pinned against the Red Sea by Pharaoh's pursuing army. Predictably, the people began to complain to Moses, saying, “Did you bring us out here just to be killed? You should have left us as slaves in Egypt so at least we would live!” But Moses replied,

Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will perform for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again, ever. The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent. (Exodus 14:13-14, NASB)

Relating to the Israelites

Friend, I can relate to the Israelite people's concerns. I find myself in midlife, with more years behind me than ahead. Life can still seem like an impossible riddle. I expected to have it all figured out by now and gracefully sail into my elder years, watching my grandkids grow up. But that's not where I'm at. Instead, God still asks me to make hard decisions, complete toilsome tasks, and serve in unwelcoming environments.

Much like the Israelites with their backs against the impassable sea, I often feel squeezed between a rock and a hard place. There is no clear path to the ease I expected to find at this stage of life. This is exactly where Exodus 14:14 comes in: "The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."

When my prayers turn to whining, and my concerns start sounding like complaints, the best way for me to praise God is to stop talking and wait for Him to fight for me. What does that look like? For me, it means doing the next right thing on my list and letting God worry about the outcome. It may mean completing a mundane task I have been putting off. This is an act of obedience to Him. It could involve stepping into an uncomfortable situation, even if I fear rejection. Ultimately, it means sitting silently in awe of who He is without asking for anything. Because in God, I already have all I need.

God Promises Victory

Of course, we know how the account in Exodus ends. Moses leads God's people through the Red Sea on dry ground, while Pharaoh's army is destroyed. God releases the restrained waters upon them. Why should I expect anything short of victory if I let God fight for me?

The expectation that God will carry us through all dangers, toils, and snares is the essence of what David conveys in Psalm 65. After beginning with a call for silent praise, he lists the attributes of God's faithfulness. He starts with the blessing of His presence, moves on to a description of His power, and finishes with a beautiful portrayal of God's abundant provision. Read it slowly. Stand back and enjoy the view. Psalm 65 allows us to survey who God is and how He provides for us. As I read it, I feel the same awe I experience at the top of a high mountain after a strenuous hike: silent, awestruck praise.

Readings and Reflection Questions

Monday's Reading: Psalm 65

Read through this psalm, listing all the attributes and actions that describe who God is. Sit in silence, meditating on God's greatness. What is He saying to your heart?

Tuesday's Reading: Exodus 14

Revisit the account of the Israelites passing through the Red Sea. In what aspects of your life are you lacking faith like the Israelites? In what aspects are you leading faithfully like Moses? How does this passage encourage you to live with more faith in God?

Wednesday's Reading: Joshua 6:1-16

Here's another Old Testament account where the people of Israel were asked to be silent. Why do you think God asked them to be quiet until the opportune time? What was the improbable outcome of their obedience in silently walking where God and Joshua led? How have you seen God work like this in your own life?

Thursday's Reading: Psalm 119:89-96

This portion of Psalm 119 talks about the power and faithfulness of God in creation throughout all generations. How is God's Word entwined in the created order? How might you incorporate more silent meditation on God's Word into your life as an act of praise?

Friday's Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

In this passage, Solomon gives us instructions on the proper attitude for approaching God. What principles is Solomon teaching? Why does he advocate for such caution and reverence in what we say to the Lord?

Weekend Reading: Psalm 99

This psalm describes the power and holiness of God. What responses should people have to God's holy and awesome presence according to this psalm?