Just Be Quiet

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

Exodus 14:14

It is interesting to observe how often we, as professed believers of the Lord, verbally express a lack of faith. Oh, we claim to believe that we trust God, but let things begin to go wrong. We will complain, discuss, and make our case. I wonder how often our Lord is disappointed at our response. How often is our “discussion” actually a lack of faith? How often is it an expression of feeling alone and left to circumstance?

We are not alone in this weakness. The nation of Israel had been held captive in Egypt for 430 years. They had watched God move and work on their behalf through a series of ten plagues. Now God is ready to set them free. He has allowed them to escape the hand of Pharaoh, though Pharaoh has given chase. The people of Israel have come to the edge of the Red Sea and Pharaoh and his troops are closing in. The people then say to Moses, “Is it because there are not graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” (Exodus 14:11). Moses responds, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today” (Exodus 14:13). And then Moses gives them this promise, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (Exodus 14:14).

The people of Israel had watched as God carried out the ten plagues on Egypt. They had seen God deliver them from captivity. Over and over they had seen God’s hand of provision. But now, they find themselves between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army and their faith falters. They begin to grumble and complain, but Moses tells them to be quiet. Their complaining showed a lack of faith. Moses said, “God is going to fight for us, so just hush.”

I find this story to be rather convicting. As I look at my own life I see how often I complain, or make my case, or just try to make sure others know how wrong someone has treated me. However, if I look closely, I must admit that my own tendency to speak out in these circumstances is a lack of faith. I am wanting someone to make my case, or at least to feel sorry for me. I wonder what God might do in my life if I would just learn that I “have only to be silent.” Am I alone?