Psalm 4 presents one of the most practical reasons for practicing silence. David appears to be writing these words in the evening. He’s either writing to himself or to men with him. It’s nearly bedtime. And it’s been a tough day. People have been seeking to dishonor David (v. 2). People have been spreading lies about David (v. 2). David is in distress (v. 1). David is angry (or afraid) (v. 4). This is a recipe for insomnia.
Yet David’s goal is to “in peace” “lie down and sleep” (v. 7). This is what he wants for himself and for his men.
How? How will their bodies and their hearts ever find rest on this dark and disturbing night?
Here’s how: “Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.” (v. 4-5)
Stop talking. Stop fretting. Still your body. Quiet your mouth. And meditate upon the LORD. Worship the LORD. Place your trust in the LORD. Remember times past when God gave relief in the midst of distress (v. 1). Believe that God will replace tension with abundant joy (v. 7).
Be silent.
Be silent.
Be silent.
Only then will the truth about God overwhelm your despair and anger. Only then will you sleep like a baby.
For the next 30 days I’ll be practicing this advice. I’ll be spending July 5 through Aug. 3 in directed silence, following the Ignatian Exercises. I hope you’ll join me on this journey as I write about it on this blog. My hope is that you’ll be inspired to practice what David advocates. And that by weaving silence into your life, you too will sleep like a baby.
