Silent Power

“But Jesus offered no defense to any of the charges.” (Mark 15:5 TPT)

When Jesus was falsely accused of a list of charges, He offered no defense. He remained silent. 

Keeping my mouth shut is hard for me. I’ve got quick retorts at the tip of my tongue. I blurt things out without a filter. Although getting my point across feels good in the moment, it is rarely productive in the long term.

Verbal battles often have a spiritual component. There are invisible forces in action. Most of our arguments amount to sparring with toy swords in the midst of a battle between good and evil. We are way out of our league. It is best to remain silent and let God take over. 

The following passage by Lettie Cowman speaks eloquently about the power of silence:

“There is a place of stillness that allows God the opportunity to work for us and gives us peace. It is a stillness that ceases our scheming, self-vindication, and the search for a temporary means to an end through our own wisdom and judgment. Instead, it lets God provide an answer, through His unfailing and faithful love, to the cruel blow we have suffered. Oh, how often we thwart God’s intervention on our behalf by taking up our own cause or by striking a blow in our own defense! May God grant each of us this silent power and submissive spirit.” (Streams in the Desert)

God works best when we are still and peaceful. Our crafty arguments and sensible solutions make little difference in what is happening in the invisible realm. Self-defense gets in the way of Divine intervention. A submissive spirit allows God to move in and fight the battle on our behalf. May God grant each of us this silent power.