Sit Still, My Daughter

This past fall, the girls and I made a couple of trips up to WV for the primary purpose of cleaning at Mom’s house. While there, I saw a copy of a devotional book that Mom uses – and has used for as long as I can remember. The book is “Streams in the Desert” by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman and although I don’t think the copy I saw last fall was the same one I remember as a child, there is no doubt that this devotional has been a blessing to Mom through the years. I asked her about it and she told me that a lady had given it to her when she and dad were first married.

Guess what the girls got for Christmas this past December? A book that, aside from the Bible, has been a source of encouragement to their MawMaw for many years. We ordered used hardback copies from Amazon and they have both thoroughly enjoyed using them each morning as part of their devotional time.

The other morning, Bethany came down and printed out the following poem that had been a part of that day’s devotional reading. She said the Lord had used it to encourage her and I must say, it blessed my heart as well! Maybe it will do the same for you!

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days- these waiting days- as ill!
The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today!
And if He waits, ‘tis sure He waits to prove
To thee, His Tender child, His heart’s deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord’s will!
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way,
Corrodingly within, because of His delay-
Persuade thyself in simply faith to rest,
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move a step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah, then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet!
Thy 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’st thou for Him fill?
‘Tis hard! Ah, yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
‘Tis hard, ‘tis true! But then -He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.

(J. Danson Smith)