Psalm 85

In Psalm 85, I am reminded that the words SILENT and LISTEN have the same letters.

My Lord teach me to listen. The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the thousand raucous sounds which continuously assault me … Let me hear Thee speaking in my heart. Let me get to[sic] used to the sounds of your voice, that its tones may be familiar when the sounds of earth die away and the only sound will be the music of your speaking voice. Amen. AW Tozer “The Pursuit of God”.

In Psalm 85, the psalmist feels distress and fear at his exposure to his enemies. Many people, even Christians, suffer from deep fears and insecurities. However, when we rightly listen to God, these fears chase us to Jesus. When we are overcome by fears though, they threaten us with despair and unbelief.

Listening to the Lord brings peace. As we look back on our past week or so, can we recognise God’s presence with us? Be assured as God’s special people through faith in Jesus we were never alone. Jesus’ Words of reassurance in Matthew 28:20, You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time. (ERV) The Prince of Peace comes near to us in his Word and Sacrament to watch over us in body, mind and soul. When we take time to pause and smell the roses, putting our freneticism aside, we are gently nudged by his Spirit to listen to his promises and be comforted and given a peace that the world cannot give, irrespective of what we are going through.

When God forgave our sin and covered our sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, he destroyed our enemies of sin, death, devil and hell.

Having defeated our great enemies, surely he will protect us from all other enemies. May we listen to what God the Lord says: “You are loved”, “You are forgiven in Christ”, “You are never alone”, “I will carry your burdens”, and “I will be your refuge and strength”. God means it. Let the peace and comfort of his promises be ours always.

A reflection: If I should stop to listen to God for one minute in each waking hour of the day, I would be devoting 16 minutes a day to hearing the voice of God. Is there 15 minutes of time in my day in which I could listen to God by being silent, even if on some days he chooses to sit in silence?

Prayer: Help me, Lord, in the midst of my fears, to trust solely in you. Amen.

About the Author

Jill Schefe

Jill is a Wimmera-ite growing up on a sheep and wheat farm. As a Lutheran deacon, Jill has been richly blessed supporting pastor husband Clarrie, mother to three adult children and six grandchildren. She was a recipient of the 2022 Servant of Christ award and has served on LWV and LWQ executives and various zone executives. Jill enjoys engaging Christ’s love with others. As formed in Christ, in retirement, Jill enjoys reading, Christian spirituality, music, gardening, travelling, and their recently sold farm, breeding cattle and horses. Jill is active in her local congregation as lay worker. She has a passion for an understanding of the Gospel in the life of everyday Christians.