Worshipping in Silence

“Praise the LORD, all nations; laud Him, all peoples.” Psalm 117:1

Worshipping in Silence

Laud – David chooses not to repeat the word halal in this second phrase.  Like a great Hebrew poet, he chooses to modify or amplify the meaning of the first phrase with an extension in the second phrase.  We are to realize that praise is more than shouting and singing.  Praise has a connection to calm and quiet.

The verb David chooses is shabach.  Its principle meaning is “to calm or soothe” (Psalm 65:7).  Its secondary meaning is “to praise or extol”.  Only the context determines which meaning is appropriate.  So, when you heard the word shabach in this phrase, both meanings would come to mind and you would then select the one that fits.  Perhaps we are too anxious to rush to the second.  Isn’t there a part of praise that falls into the quiet and peaceful rest in the presence of God?  Can we praise Him without a single sound as He calms the storms of our lives?  If I adore my God, there are times when I am utterly speechless before Him, simply unable to find the words to lift up His majesty.  There are times when honoring Him is just more than my human capacity can handle.

Do you suppose that Jesus was thinking about this use of shabach when he calmed the storm?  Certainly the disciples realized that praise and calm came together on that evening.  Perhaps our greatest hymn of praise is those stanzas sung without melody or words in silent adoration of the King.

If you feel like I do, you will find yourself missing something in the “praise and worship” element of today’s programmed services.  You will discover that we forgot about shabach.  We left silence and calm behind.  But silence and calm before a holy God is incredibly important.  Be still – and hear.