I talk a lot. Words seem to constantly flow out of my mouth. And when there is a situation that I consider unfair, I have many thoughts to share with the Lord and others on the matter. I proclaim faith in my difficulties; however, I discovered from this verse in Isaiah what my words actually show, which is a shallowness in my trust in God.
Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
This verse was a prophesy of the trial of Jesus. In the book of Matthew, we see the fulfillment:
Matthew 23:12-14
When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
The most unjust situation in history was the mock trial and death sentence of Jesus. However, in the midst of these heinous acts, Jesus said nothing. He gave no word of defense. Why? He trusted God’s plan. Jesus knew that the Lord was completely sovereign over every event. He did not recoil from the difficulties. Instead, He embraced them for what they were, a divine orchestration of events, which though horrendous, were designed to bring about a greater good, the ultimate good, which was the salvation of people throughout the world and throughout time.
The words I speak in my unjust situations are a stark contrast to the silence of Jesus. Why? Because I do not trust God’s plan. I have opinions on how I think events should take place and how people should be handled. I dislike what I am experiencing and so my complaints to the Lord and others are the opportunity to vent my feelings. I am looking for a way out, not trusting the way through. While I believe God can work all things for good, I do not want to experience the bad to see the good God will orchestrate. I am not concerned about how others will benefit; I just want my pain to end.
My words show my wavering trust in the long term as I cry out for relief in the short term. The silence of Jesus showed a faith that was solid and focused on eternity. My complaints focus on myself. The silence showed the focus of Jesus on others, on me. Jesus stayed silent for me: to save me, to forgive me, to cleanse me. I need to now learn how to be silent to show my trust in Him.