S) " 14 The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent."
Exodus 14:14 (NASB)
O) This was not an encouragement about quiet meditation and prayer. This was a rebuke from Moses, because the people were bickering at him in fear, that the Egyptians would overtake them and kill them. They had been slowly making their way through the wilderness and were then (supposedly) hemmed in by the sea. Immediately, the people began to take a "woe is me" mentality, already forgetting the great miracles that took place in getting them even that far. So, before he even goes to the LORD in prayer, Moses has the confidence to tell the people that God will fight on their behalf, and he rebukes their complaints and vocalized fears. The tone of his words have more irritation than sympathy, but it was still what the people needed to hear.
A) There have been times, as a dad, that I have simply told my children to stop talking completely. When it seems that everything out of their mouths is a complaint, or an argument, or a fight with a sibling, sometimes it's simply a better discipline to tell them not to speak at all until the conflict is resolved. But, as I read these words of Moses, I couldn't help but wonder: which side of his words am I on...? Am I the one rebuking others, or am I the one who needs to shut up? Sometimes, I'm sure, there will still be a time and place to... encourage... people to wait silently upon the LORD. Equally, though, I need to be careful to consider if my words (particularly in prayer) are doing more harm than good. I grew up hearing the phrase, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." And while that's true, I think it can be extended a bit. It should also be said something like, "If your words do not inspire faith, don't speak them." It is much better to say nothing, and simply rely on the words and actions of God alone (i.e., the Bible), than it is to ever speak words that produce doubt, especially in others. I need to know there are times to close my mouth, and simply let the LORD fight for me.
P) Father, as I was typing all of this, it also occurred to me that this is true when I minister, too. I need to remember that my own words do not have the authority or power that Your words do. Nothing I can ever say will be as important or impactful as what You can do for a person directly. Help me to remember that it's better for me to be silent completely, allowing You to fight for someone, than it is to speak arrogantly and possibly miss Your mark entirely... but I digress. I know the bigger point to this verse, in context, is that complaints are poisonous. As I lead my wife, and raise my children, they must see that I lead by example. When I have doubts, I do not let them take root, but instead I close my mouth and rely solely on You to fight when I cannot. The Israelites were right to fear the Egyptians, if it was only them versus each other. But, if they would only remember You, LORD, then they would have had nothing to fear at all. When I have doubts, let me remember who You are, and that You fight for me. Let me keep silent as I wait for You to deliver me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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