Psalm 28: The Silence of Heaven

By: Edward Cortez

 

Do not be silent to me, lest, if you are silent I become like those who go down to the pit” (verse 1), so says a dejected David who feels forsaken in his direst needs, surrounded by his enemies. What are we to do when heaven seems silent, and we feel we are left to fend for ourselves? A prayer that goes unanswered for a long time. Or a prayer that came with an answer but contrary to what we had desired.

There are no easy answers. At best, life’s complexities often drive us to great lengths of searching and reflecting. At worst, they leave us perplexed and questioning the very existence of God, and like David we feel consigned to a state of abandonment like the rest of the unbelieving world with no hope.

David surely feels the pangs of despair amid the perceived silence of heaven. But the thing about David is that even at his lowest points he has never forsaken God. His darkest nights have often driven him to his knees and spurred him on to call more upon God. They way he begins his prayer in Psalm 28 is noteworthy: “To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock…” (verse 1). And then in verse 2, he let it all out: “Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your most holy place.”

God’s silence or the perception of such silence serves a noble purpose. Among others, it builds in us character and deepens our submission to His loving authority in a way that brings about spiritual growth and maturity. Heaven will not always be silent. It is in the fire of our suffering that His presence is made real, and His voice becomes clearer. When that which has been divinely purposed in us comes to fruition we are renewed and reinvigorated. We look back and we thank God for those moments of deafening “silences.”

After a long time of waiting and praying, David realizes that heaven is not going to be silent forever. Alas, he now understands that God has been there all along for him, and He has indeed heard his voice. He declares in verses 6 and 7:

“Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him” (verses 6 and 7).

Hang in there. His grace is more than sufficient. In this Psalm, David references Jesus as the Anointed One, our Savior and Shepherd who saves and nurtures His people. Trust in the One who came, suffered, and died for you on the cross. He’s been there. He knows exactly what you’re going through. At the end of Psalm 28, David foresees the Messiah, Jesus, the Anointed One who is also the Good Shepherd:

“The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever” (verses 8,9). In the gospel of John, Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).