Streams in the Desert April 7 Daily Devotional

Their strength is to sit still (Isa. 30:7).
In order really to know God, inward stillness is absolutely necessary. I remember when I first learned this. A time of
great emergency had risen in my fife, when every part of my being
seemed to throb with anxiety, and when the necessity for immediate
and vigorous action seemed overpowering; and yet circumstances were
such that I could do nothing, and the person who could, would not stir.
For a little while it seemed as if I must fly to pieces with the
Inward turmoil, when suddenly the still small voice whispered in
the depths of my soul, "Be still, and know that I am God." The word was with power, and I hearkened. I composed my body to perfect stillness, and I constrained my troubled spirit into quietness, and
looked up and waited; and then I did "know" that out of this
stillness seemed to arise a power to deal with the emergency, that very soon brought it to a successful issue. I learned then
effectually that my "strength was to sit still." --Hannah Whitall Smith.
There is a perfect passivity which is not indolence. It is a living stillness born of trust. Quiet tension is not trust. It is simply
compressed anxiety.
Not in the tumult of the rending storm,
Not in the earthquake or devouring flame;
But in the hush that could all fear transform, The still, small whisper to the prophet came.
O Soul, keep silence on the mount of God,
Though cares and needs throb around thee like a sea; From supplications and desires unshod,
Be still, and hear what God shall say to thee.
All fellowship hath interludes of rest,
New strength maturing in each poise of power;

The sweetest Alleluias of the blest
Are silent, for the space of half an hour.
O rest, in utter quietude of soul,
Abandon words, leave prayer and praise awhile; Let thy whole being, hushed in His control,
Learn the full meaning of His voice and smile.
Not as an athlete wrestling for a crown, Not taking Heaven by violence of will;
But with thy Father as a child sit down,
And know the bliss that follows His "Be Still!" --Mary Rowles Jarvis.