For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:7 (bolded)
What does it mean to “wait in silence” (patiently) for the hope that is our salvation in God? What does it mean to “rest” our salvation upon God?
Our salvation is a refuge for which we wait, and yet with an ever-present feeling of safety and confidence. This position of quietly waiting in the presence of God provides a contrast with a life of agitation, anxiety, stress, hypocrisy, dishonesty, selfishness, and vanity. But it also implies through the verb tenses of waiting and resting that our salvation is yet to happen. My goodness pastor…that sounds very un-Protestant!
This is where Paul comes in handy. He often uses the concept of the already/not yet of salvation. We have accepted and received salvation through Christ, and yet it will be fully consummated when Christ finally returns. So while we wait patiently and with confident certainty, we are to work (serve). (SIDENOTE: Isn’t it interesting that up until a few years ago servers at a restaurant were called “waiters”?) Do you remember Paul’s words to the Philippian church?
…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12b
Paul is not alone. The author of 2 Peter (I believe it was Peter) also indicates this already/not yet scenario:
Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10
Now, be more diligent to confirm or seal your calling and election (salvation)! Why? Because by doing so gives you the certain confidence that you will never falter.
I guess that Paul and Peter were awfully un-Protestant. I think I am in good company! Actually, I believe this is very Protestant as salvation is assured, but it has yet to be fully consummated.
My friends, rest your salvation and the future glory in the Rock and Refuge. Trust in “42” at all times, including right now in this pandemic, and take time to pour your heart out before him, who is your Rock and Salvation!
SEARCHING FOR 42 