Silence is Sacred

“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man, that Thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that Thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:1-4). “Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John…up into an high mountain apart… And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with Him. Then answered Peter… While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him” (Matthew 17:1-5).
 

Surely we know there’s a time we should speak,

And silence is wrong in that opportune time.

Silence is sacred, though, when we should seek

To hear from our Savior His counsel sublime.

David considered the heavens above,

The work of God’s fingers, the moon, and each star.

In that sacred silence, he pondered God’s love

Which thought upon man and esteemed who we are.

Indeed, every star in the heaven proclaims

The glory of God and His wonderful plan,

Unfolding redemption by all of their names,

Which Christ would accomplish when visiting man.

The stars and the Scriptures together agreed:

We needed the Savior that God would provide,

And this is the truth by which sinners are freed,

As Moses and prophets have all testified.

Consider that scene when our Lord was transfigured

With Moses and also Elijah appearing:

Surely this meeting with Christ should have triggered

A reverent silence from those who were hearing.

But Peter spoke up then (to no one’s surprise),

Yet God said to “Hear Him,” the Son of His favor,

While Peter was speaking (when silence was wise)

When he should have listened to Jesus his Savior.

O Lord, we are thankful that You are so good

And patient to teach us, though we often fail

To listen in silence to You as we should,

So prone to let other distractions prevail.

Lord, give us the wisdom that we may discern

When silence is sacred in our conversation,

That in the right season we thereby may learn

The right words to say in the right situation.