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,
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 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.