SILENCE THE FOE
18th Jan 2012
Whilst reading Psalm 8 recently, the phrase that struck me was “silence the foe” from verse 2, which in full says, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies to silence the foe and the avenger.” Many times we think this verse is simply saying how much God loves to hear the praises of little children, however, there is a much more important message.
We know that satan was defeated by Jesus on the cross, but his voice can still cause us trouble. Fear and anxiety come from words and feelings that are going around in our heads, disturbing our peace, robbing us of sleep and giving us horrendous scenarios in our imagination.
The essential message of this verse is that the power of praise will silence the voice of our enemy. So if we do it – it will work. God spoke to a very good friend of ours, when she was recovering from severe mental and emotional damage, He said to her, “When your mind is confused, read my Word, and when your emotions are in turmoil, sing praises.” The song that she was given was “Praise the Name of Jesus, He’s my rock, He’s my fortress, He’s my deliverer in whom will I trust, Praise the Name of Jesus.” That became her key song; it silenced the foe, it quietened her mind and it placed her on the path to freedom and peace.
When you are singing praises to God it will remove from your mind disturbing thoughts that rob your peace and overwhelm you with fear. So what is your song of praise that will “silence the foe” in your life and circumstances?
Many times I have taught folk to listen for a “Song in the Morning” – the moment you wake up, tune into heaven, and sing the song that God puts into your heart. It will be unique, it will be your song and it will silence the foe and the avenger.
by Charles Sibthorpe
