That David knew the “storms of life” is a bit of an understatement. It seems that, for more seasons than not in his life, his life was turned upside down by something. Whether it was hiding from Saul who was trying to save his throne by taking out the young upstart shepherd, or running from Philistine enemies who wanted him dead or alive (preferably dead), or eventually fleeing from his own son who wanted daddy’s kingdom for himself, David and tumult seemed to find each other. And beyond the external wars he waged, he too found himself battling inner demons as he dealt with the guilt that comes from killing a friend and stealing his wife and thus, sinning against the God he adored. A lot of storms in David’s life . . . so where did stability come from . . . where could calm be found . . . ?

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

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. (Psalm 61:1-2, 5-6 ESV)

You can’t help but take notice of things that are repeated in Scripture. Repetition is emphasis. And so, in asking the questions what can quiet the soul amidst the storms of life? . . . what can restore balance to an unbalanced world? . . . what can silence the raging winds? . . . the answer is twice given so that I might not miss it. God alone.

The presence of God alone could awe the storm-tossed soul of the psalmist into quietude. To turn his eyes from the insanity around him to the God before him could calm the anxiety within him. Rather than take inventory of how poorly the battle was going, David instead brings every thought into captivity to consider again that salvation comes from God . . . that God alone is his stability . . . and salvation . . . and refuge . . . and so, if God be all these things, then, says the psalmist, “I shall not be greatly shaken.”

Easier said than done . . . to shift our attention away from the stuff that’s creaming us and toward the God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us . . . but when, by His grace and through the Spirit within us, we determine to look to God alone . . . then soul, know blessed assurance . . . experience the rest of those secure in the hand of Gods . . . drink deep from the waters of submission . . . feast on the fruit of faith.

And it is when the soul is silent that the heart can best cry out . . .

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:8 ESV)

As believers we have been granted access into the most holy place and invited to confidently draw near to His throne of grace, “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). And, as we act upon that invitation . . . and enter, by faith, the inner sanctuary where God dwells, and behold afresh His glory and majesty . . . it is then that our souls are silenced . . . and our hearts are primed . . . and communion becomes active. It is there that we are reminded that He is God and we are not . . . that in God alone we can find refuge . . . that in God alone lies our hope . . . that for God alone, O my soul, wait in silence.

“O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus . . . look full in His wonderful face . . .
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim . . .
in the light of His glory and grace.” (Helen H. Lemmel)