“Let him sit alone and keep silent, Because God has laid it on him” (Lamentations 3:28, NKJV). We’re going to read some more verses from Lamentations 3 as well; here are verses 31 and 32, “For the Lord will not cast off forever. Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies” (NKJV).

When God’s hand is heavy upon you, it is good to sit alone and keep silent. It is good to recognize God’s hand in what’s happening to you and not fight Him. Recognize His sovereignty, that He is in control, and accept His work being done in and through your circumstances.

We can pray for release, but we do it with thanksgiving and praise, and ultimately surrender to God’s will, God’s desire for the situation. Verse 26 says, “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.” Quietly.

Our first verse said, “keep silent.” It is good to hope, but it is also good to keep silent. We don’t need many words. We don’t need to beg God; He sees what’s happening. We seek to calm and quiet our souls within us, not pursue trying to understand the why behind everything, or figuring out what to do. It’s good to keep silent and not turn to others for sympathy. Our misery doesn’t need company. We should turn to God and find the peace and joy hidden in the midst of whatever it is. If He’s with you, then you have peace and joy. They are there for you to receive in the midst of it. Sit alone. Keep silent. Hope and wait quietly. Be still and know He is God. Know He is the One who saves. Know He is good. Know He is in control. Know He loves you. Know He has the power. Know He will show compassion. Know that His mercy is everlasting, and according to the multitude of His mercies, He will bring you out of your trouble.