Sit Still
The sermon emphasizes the importance of stillness and trusting in God's timing to fulfill His purpose in our lives.
Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of stillness in our Christian walk, highlighting the need to let God work in us rather than constantly striving to do things on our own. He points out that God's eternal purpose for us is to be like His Son, requiring us to be passive and trust in His plan. Through poems and reflections, he encourages believers to sit still, have faith, and wait patiently for God's perfect timing and direction in their lives.
Text
"Ye shall not go out with haste" (Isa. 52:12).
I do not believe that we have begun to understand the marvelous power there is in stillness. We are in such a hurry--we must be doing--so that we are in danger of not giving God a chance to work. You may depend upon it, God never says to us, "Stand still," or "Sit still," or "Be still," unless He is going to do something.
This is our trouble in regard to our Christian life; we want to do something to be Christians when we need to let Him work in us. Do you know how still you have to be when your likeness is being taken?
Now God has one eternal purpose concerning us, and that is that we should be like His Son; and in order that this may be so, we must be passive. We hear so much about activity, may be we need to know what it is to be quiet. --Crumbs
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 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.
--J. D. Smith
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the power of stillness - The danger of constant activity - God's invitation to be still
- II points: - The purpose of God in our lives - Becoming like Christ through passivity - The contrast between activity and quietness
- III points: - The importance of waiting on God - Trusting in God's timing - The strength found in stillness
- IV points: - The role of faith in waiting - Recognizing God's love in our waiting - The sweetness of following God's lead
Key Quotes
“Ye shall not go out with haste.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!” — Charles E. Cowman
“For lack of losing all how much is lost!” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Take time each day to be still and listen for God's guidance.
- Recognize that waiting on God is an active form of faith.
- Embrace moments of quietness as opportunities for spiritual growth.