"River's Scent"

When the breeze is right,

And the sun’s last light,

Cast shadows ‘cross the land.

The river’s scent,

Cross the pastures went,

The flame inside us fanned.

We drank it in,

From the Brazos’ bend,

And thanked God for the peace.

A place to be,

So glad, you see,

It would from stress release.

I’ve seen town’s rush,

Wished it would hush,

From coast to sunny coast.

The teeming crowd,

Is way too loud,

Love Texas’ heart the most.

We know God’s there,

He’s everywhere,

We don’t diminish that.

But when we’re still,

Strong whisper fill,

And on the wind we chat.

All that the Lord created,

To all God’s kids related,

Speaking words of beauty and what’s true.

They give a constant witness,

And help equip our fitness,

To share with others all that God can do.

I know not all can move here,

So let me make my words clear,

It’s not so much about geography.

But more how well we listen,

That is the proposition,

So He rewrites our own biography.

Let the Good Lord shape us,

Our dreams will not escape us,

While we try to just be still and know.

Don’t let some distraction,

Cause some bad reaction,

Just obey and go where God says go.

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)

When Dad told one of us to be still, he meant it. If you moved when Dad expected stillness, you might get a swat. Why? Because when Dad said be still He was usually trying to protect us from something that might harm us. He would say, “You never know. I might tell you to be still when there’s a snake nearby. If you’re still he won’t bite you, but if you move, he might.” Being still with our heavenly Father has many benefits. It can save us from harm and bring us into a stronger closeness with the Lord. Don’t fear or avoid quiet time. We need it.

Lord, help us to be still and know that You are God, in Jesus’ name.

Art by R.S. Riddick, used by permission. Thanks, Mr. Riddick, and God bless you.