Sit still.

“Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall…” Ruth 3: 18

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 simple faith to rest

That He Who knows and loves will do the best.

Sit still my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Nor move one 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 beauty being then, oh then, how strong!

And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

What higher service couldst thou for Him fill?

Tis hard! Oh 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