Silence?
Psa 27:9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
It seems that this may be one of the greatest challenges in relationships- wondering what the other person is thinking. Maybe they’ve acted in a certain way or not at all, prompting an interpretation of those actions or lack thereof. As life has passed by with a few speed bumps along the way, there is reason for wariness and caution because of past betrayals or abandonments. If they are not heard from for a while it might seem that something is wrong and that person has been set off in some manner towards you. Sometimes there may have even been some failure on your own part that has compromised your confidence towards that person- something was said about them, or maybe negative thoughts or attitudes have been harbored. Insecurity has many resources to draw from and often utilizes them well in disrupting otherwise potentially valuable and rewarding relationships.
It’s interesting that this passage from Psalms takes place in the middle of this beautiful exposition of an intimate relationship with a faithful, loving and protecting Father. David was one who had much reason to be insecure with his relationships, having had close friends and confidants turn their backs and betray him. Though obviously inspired by God’s ever-present involvement in his life, the reality of life pokes its head in for a breather in an otherwise uplifting expression. This, however, did reveal just how fragile and vulnerable we are and how even the ‘man after God’s heart’ had moments of wondering.
I had a recent phone conversation with a friend whom I’ve not seen in several years. We had our rewarding and inspiring words as usual, but then at the end we spoke about the infrequency of our interaction. We each expressed that, though there may not be any peeps heard from the other, appreciation, honor and respect had not diminished in the least. In fact, the renewed communication after an extended lapse actually served to instill confidence in our relationship- that though there may be silence for some time, this doesn’t rightfully indicate a loss of respect or value in the other’s heart or mind. All that will ever be needed is a phone call for the voice to be heard and the confirmation and assurance possessed that our friendship has no fractures.
So, was it necessary for this prayer to go up in order for God to stick around? Was He headed out the door with a need to get away from such an unfavorable person? I believe that this prayer was a necessary one, but it was necessary for the movement of David towards God more than God towards David. In David’s prayer was a passionate fixation on the One that He knew to be his necessity, his hope and his salvation. There may have been a resident insecurity and concern that God would somehow depart and leave him as others had, but in the request for God to not turn away in anger, there was actually a phone call made to a friend who could never be lost to a transgression or failure. By lifting up His voice to God, there was communication renewed and an avenue through which God could speak and impart His heart of love once more.
He has promised to never leave or forsake. For various reasons it may be perceived that He has and we have to go it alone without our Salvation. All it takes, though is that necessary call, the one that will instill and further establish His faithfulness once more.
James 4:7-10
(7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
(8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
(9) Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
(10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
