Silence: from fear to fortress...

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

[Selah]

-Psalm 62:5-8 (NRSV)When I was young, I was afraid of silence.  It was like the darkness of the night for me.  In silence I held my breath, wondering what was lying in the dark corners.  In silence all of my senses became dulled.  I hid from the beauty of the world around me wondering what the silence would bring.  I could not find the gift in silence.As I read these words of strength from the psalmist, I am reminded how I must put aside my fears to fully trust in God.  When this happens, the most amazing things happen.  I see gifts in silence like  the rose exposing her innermost beauty.Trust in her at all times, O people; pour out your heart before her; God's refuge is blooming right before us.