Hold Your Peace

from June 2020

Lost And Found

by Brooke Towe

On Friday, March 13, 2020, I woke up with a panicked feeling in my spirit. I felt anxious, unsure, and distressed; then the Lord spoke to me three simple words: “Hold your peace.” Well, that seems pretty simple when one thing happens, but what about when life starts swirling in every direction and spinning out of control? These are the times when it becomes more challenging to stay planted in peace.

The power of “holding your peace” is to know that even though everything looks in chaos and disarray, God is working and moving. It is important to always speak positively and hopefully, even though it may not be what you see in the natural. In this process, keep silent about “everything that is going wrong.” Although it is easy to pick up the phone and tell someone how bad your situation is, don’t come into agreement with the enemy’s decree or your natural circumstances. Instead, “Hold your peace.” Our God is too amazing to complain about Him and what He is not doing for us. While holding your peace, it is imperative for you to watch your words. There is always a temptation to complain with our mouths; however, our words hold the power of life and death.

During this entire process, as the world’s outlook has worsened, I have repeated to myself, my friends, and my family, “Hold your peace.” Because God does not delight in the affliction of His people, He will not allow it to continue without end. There is always an expiration date to your trial, and God is laughing at your enemy as He sees the turnaround that is coming. When “the wicked plot against the righteous and gnashes at him with his teeth,” the Lord laughs at him, for He sees his day is coming (Psalm 37:12- 13). Today, rest in Him, knowing His promises are true. In Job 2:10, it says, “‘You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?’ In all this, Job did not sin with his lips.”

In the midst of everything against them, Moses encouraged his people. As leaders, we have to encourage; as parents, we have to encourage; and as friends, we have to encourage. In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses answered the

people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” God had orchestrated their day of total deliverance, although the circumstances looked dire at the moment. Today, your circumstances may look hopeless, but know, just like the children of Israel, God is fighting for you.