By Hannah Whitall Smith. The Israelites of old, like many Christians today, could not believe that quietness and rest were the way to deliverance and strength. As they struggled, so we struggle to deliver ourselves by earthly means and creaturely activities.
It was as useless for them as it is for us. The truth is, the way of inner stillness is the only victorious way. To settle down and know this as fact would immensely change us. Only when we first stand still can we see the salvation of our Lord. While full of bustle and activity, we have no eyes to spare for God’s work. Moreover, our feverish, creaturely workings–far from helping–actually hinder His true work.
To many, this seems like pure laziness. They may think that nothing can be accomplished under such conditions. But we are only to sit still because God works. The Lord cannot rest while there remains anything unfinished for His people, as no good earthly parent can rest as long as a child is in need.
To “sit still” in our hearts means to learn and to practice inner stillness. It may mean an outward stillness as well, or it may be accompanied with great outward activity–though never with jostling and anxious hurry.
Then, let there be storms of hail outside. Within, the “home” that is created for the spirit is a quiet resting place in God.
My Father, I will “help along” your working in my life today by practicing stillness within.
HANNAH WHITALL SMITH (1832-1911) is best known for her classic book The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life. Smith was a popular speaker throughout the United States and Europe, speaking on the “higher Christian life.” This selection was excerpted from Safe Within Your Love (Bethany House Publishers). Used with permission.