Sit Still, My Daughter

This poem was on my mind as I awoke this morning, and it seemed especially important that I review it today- and keep reviewing it. I thought others would enjoy it and benefit from it also.

Sit Still, My Daughter
by J. Danson Smith

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
Corroding 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 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.

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This poem is based on a verse within one of my favorite books of the bible, Ruth. When Ruth returns from visiting Boaz and seems anxious to know if he will redeem her from the nearer kinsman and accept her as his wife, mother-in-law Naomi provides her counsel.
Ruth 3:18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

Please see this site if you would like to know more about J. Danson Smith (sometimes noted as J. Danson-Smith) and the Christian publishing company for which he worked. Here are a few others of his poems that you might enjoy.