Be still!

“You will not leave in haste.” (Isaiah 52: 12)

I do not believe we have even begun to understand the wonderful power there is in being still. We are in such a hurry, always doing, that we are in danger of not allowing God the opportunity to work. You may be sure that God will never say to us, “Stand still,” “Sit still,” or “Be still,” unless He is going to do something. This is our problem regarding the Christian life: we want to do something to be Christians, instead of allowing Him to work in us.

Think of how still you stand when your picture is being taken, as the photographer captures your likeness on film. God has one eternal purpose for us: that we should be “conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Rom. 8: 29). But in order for that to happen, we must stand still. We hear so much today about being active, but maybe we need to learn what it means to be quiet.

Sit still, my children! Just sit calmly still!

Nor deem these days— these waiting days— as ill!

The One who loves you best, who plans your way,

Has not forgotten your great need today!

And, if He waits, it’s sure He waits to prove To you,

His tender child, His heart’s deep love.

Sit still, my children! Just sit calmly still!

You greatly long to know your dear Lord’s will!

While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way

Corrodingly within, because of His delay—

Persuade yourself in simple faith to rest

That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my children! Just sit calmly still!

Nor move one step, not even one, until

His way has opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!

How glad your heart, and then how swift your feet,

Your inner being then, ah then, how strong!

And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

What higher service could you for Him fill?

It’s hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!

For lack of losing all how much is lost!

It’s hard, it’s true! But then— He gives you grace

To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.

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