Lots of people have “wait” problems. There always seems to be someone willing to drive on the shoulder to bypass a traffic jam. Society and technology has given us instant coffee, instant credit, minute rice, microwave ovens, and 70 mph speed limits — all because most people just hate to wait!

Perhaps the hardest form of waiting is when we have to wait for suffering to pass. It is one thing to endure unpleasant circumstances when we know how long they will be present. It is quite another proposition when our suffering might be extended indefinitely. How can a Christian faithfully endure hard times, especially when there is no visible light at the end of the tunnel? That is exactly the theme of Psalm 62.

Somebody had attacked David, and it had hurt this man of God (Ps. 62:3-4). Worse yet, this attack was hidden behind a smile: “they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly” (Ps. 62:4). David found two things about evil: not only is it ruthlessly competitive, but it also seeks to disguise itself behind flattering words and false pretenses. Evil is the gossiper who begins her ungodly story by saying, “I’m not telling everyone, so let’s keep this just between us.” Evil is the envious person who pretends to be your friend but tears you down when you’re not in the room. Evil is the competitive and jealous busybody who is into everyone else’s business under the pretense of “caring about them.”

How does one respond to such an attack? When evil hugs you with one arm and backstabs you with the other, what should the Godly person do? Here is David’s response in Psalm 62:

Pour it out, then be still — Psalm 62:8 is the key to understanding David’s response to indefinite suffering: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” When suffering, David poured out his hurt before God (v.3-4; cf. 1 Pet. 5:7). What he did next was truly astounding, though. David patiently kept his mouth shut: “My soul silently waits for God,” and, “My soul, wait silently for God alone” (Ps. 62:1, 5). It’s one thing to pray about difficulties in life. It’s another to silently and patiently wait for God’s deliverance. Most people really do hate to wait!

Use the word, “Only” — Six verses in the Hebrew text of Psalm 62 begin with the word, “only”: verses 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 9. This word is repeatedly used by David to indicate a special earnestness in seeking God’s help when suffering. David realized that God alone was able to make this wrong situation right. Christians who are tempted to repay evil with evil need to keep in mind that two wrongs never make a situation right, and that only God does right all the time (cf. Gen. 18:25; Jas. 1:17).

Remember what lasts — Psalm 62:9-12 further explains David’s perspective in suffering. He knew that real help would never come from other people, who ultimately prove to be, “lighter than vapor” (v.9). He also knew that real help could never come from money and financial gain: “If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them” (v.10). Many people try to buy their way out of suffering: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.” David would have none of this. What kept David going when he was attacked by evil under false pretenses was the knowledge that, “God renders to each one according to his work” (Ps. 62:12). God really is worth waiting for, because He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). —JB