Trying to get toddlers to sit still for a picture is like herding cats, especially when there are multiple young children you are trying to “capture the moment.”

But for me, it didn’t stop at childhood.

My best friend and I have the same issue: neither of us sit still very well and we get distracted very easily.

I am always on the move, which is a good thing because it keeps me active. However, it can be a problem when it comes to listening to the Lord.

We need to not only talk to the Lord; we need to listen to Him.

That is not always easy, especially when you are easily distracted like me. That takes patience, time and to be quiet—a time when we don’t speak, but listen.

J. Danson Smith, a poet from long ago, wrote this:

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
The One who loves thee best, who plans the way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today!
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

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.

While that poem is filled with old language, it makes a point.

We should sit still, knowing that the Father Who loves us has not forgotten us—nor our cries—and listen.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

He may use others to speak to us. He may use His word. Or He may speak to the quiet, deep places in our hearts, but He will speak if we will listen.

He knows us best, He loves us most.

Take a moment today to listen to the Father’s voice.

–by Pam Rehbein