“You gave me Your shield of victory; You stoop down to make me great.”
Music is not all about sound. The beautiful melodic patterns are mostly formed in the inclusion of pauses and holds. We have the rest symbols, equal to the duration of its counterpart notes; the breath mark, assisting in the production of a smooth phrase; and, the fermata, directing a sustained hold longer that its note value. Some markings are required, others are suggestive. Soloists have the liberty of choice, while a conductor decides for his choir, depending on their abilities and his interpretation. Okay, so that’s the music educator in me. What am I pointing here? Rest, whether short or held long, instructed or at will, for aesthetics or survival (haha!), is what makes beautiful music. A complete package. A perfect cycle.
This song of David in chapter 22 is music in its truest sense. We may not have the notation in print, but its inclusion to the book of Psalm meant this was a part of Israel’s repertoire for praise. The lyrics wonderfully knitted notes and rests together. The first four verses resounded in his declaration of praise to God His deliverer, followed by the heavy beats of his enemies confronting him with death. Next we see his solo performance at the temple face to face with the audience of One, followed by the thundering voice of the Almighty, scattering the enemies with His power and presence. Then we see heaven’s curtains open, taking him from centerstage for the intermission. All quiet, but far from over. David takes this time to reflect on Act One. Oh yes, he did see the Conductor’s pleasure that he kept His every cue. Act two has bigger challenges, but grander because God brought him to the heights. He cascades toward his enemies, they were crying for help but no one to save them. The entire hall was awed and many were dumfounded. David ended with a fermata of praise - - exalting God for His unfailing kindness to him and his descendants forever.
Life rests sound the same. Some offs are for vacation, others because of unemployment. Sometimes we’re grounded, other times for our personal retreats. Some have the luxury of beauty rest, others are just glad to find a bed. It is but part of the natural process, and a necessary one. It refreshes, refuels and revives us anew. But it’s definitely not a stop. It may seem to end a phrase, but it intends to prepare us for the next. We may sing solo at times, or taken aside for the intermission, but it’s part of His grand plan. What we do during those breaks is the point here. David did not use it to sleep, or blame his co-actors, or complain about the props, not even pack his bags. Every second he devoted to prayer and praise. It’s what kept him fired up and ready for the next act. It’s why he was rewarded with victory. It’s why we God made him great. Still on hold? Just breathe and praise the Lord :>
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