Trembling Silence
Psalms 4:4 Tremble, and sin not; speak within your own heart on your bed and be still. Selah.
Quite often that urge to respond and react is the most dangerous and most destructive. There may be a time for an appropriate response or action, but at the time of trembling life or death is possibly riding upon what is said and what is done. Though there is definitely a moment when action is necessary, while the enemy is approaching your place of hiding, when the bottom has fallen out from under your financial security, when that family member has failed to please, or when that driver has invaded your space there is an emotional response that, while demanding and insisting on expression, will only make matters worse if allowed escape. Trembling may not be an option, but whether or not that trembling dictates action is a critical choice that needs control. Better it would be to remain still and quiet, even steal away to a place of repose, where the heart can get in its two cents worth and wisdom can prevail, than to deal with the consequences of a tremble-imposed sin.
I was recently given the privilege of taking a defensive driving course that allowed me to avoid a penalty incurred by a case of lead foot. The state of Texas graciously provides this option and there are several different schools where a qualifying course can be taken. I chose this online version that was actually presented in a humorous and enjoyable format. It included several videos and illustrations of the dangers associated with reactionary driving- where the actions and behaviors of other drivers could cause you to respond in a less than safe way. As the course progressed this seemed to be the prevailing theme, that the most common danger on the road is that of emotional response, where anger, fear, frustration and impatience become the basis for driving decisions. While you may be able to get away with it for quite some time, this kind of behavior places you in a very volatile and precarious position where accidents are probable and punishment of some kind eminent. The course encouraged counting to 10, staying focused on your own course and destination and staying away completely from any reactionary response. As is most clear on the road- this can be a matter of life or death and a functioning vehicle or a dented and totaled one.
The heart really has something to say if the din of tremble inspiring fear and frustration can be suppressed by stillness and rest. It is the heart alone that will have the right course of action, the correct path and the appropriate word, but until the still small voice that it uses is heard, there will only be an atmosphere of danger and probable destruction. On the road and in the car this danger is apparent, but this reactionary behavior will also have a similar effect in relationships, business dealings, and personal gratification. That learned response of a harsh word or yielding to emotional demands can wreak havoc on a family, bank account, and personal psyche leaving a dented or totaled vehicle with little means of reaching a significant destination.
There is a secret place, a place of rest, though, where the heart volume is turned up and the hubbub of the world’s influence is shut out. It is here is the presence of the Prince of Peace where the right words of faith and love can be formed and the steps of confidence and boldness can be taken towards a righteous and productive end. This place is forever the refuge and the hope for the time of trembling, when sin is so near in an emotional response. All the threats and all the arrows are made to be insignificant in the quietness where the Christ counseled heart is given voice.
